IWD: ITF Nigeria Women Chapter charges members to champion rights, uplift fellow women

Story by Shulammite Olowofoyeku and Abigail Odubela

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Nigeria Women Chapter has called on women across the transport industry to champion one another’s rights and embrace the spirit of mutual support to drive national economic growth.

Chairperson of the ITF Nigeria Women Chapter, Comrade Funmi Fasan gave the charge during an event organized to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) themed “Give to Gain’ on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together women from various affiliate unions, including the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Merchant Navy, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, among others.

Speaking, Comrade Fasan stated that it is vital to give to one another as much as possible to ensure that women thrive and grow in all aspects of humanhood.

Fasan, who is also the Deputy President General of MWUN, eulogised the role that women play in the society, highlighting that as trade unionists, wives, and mothers, women are deeply experienced in caring.

“I want to point out that those who water others must also be watered in order to ensure shared growth and benefit everyone.

“We have our fair share of giving to do on a daily basis. Therefore, in our constant giving, we positively affect our environment and the nation at large, “she said.

Fasan further highlighted the indispensable role of transport in human existence, noting that women have continued to contribute immensely to the sector both professionally and at the union level.

Addressing the shifting socio-economic landscape, she pointed out that women are increasingly moving beyond traditional support roles to become primary financial pillars in the family.

Fasan added that as the rate of female education increases yearly on a global scale, more women are displaying unprecedented levels of excellence, and their value now transcends family to include creativity, compassion, and leadership.

“As women in the 21st century our participation and contributions to the growth of the family of our nation Nigeria and the global economy deserve real recognition and consideration.

“It is therefore a matter of utmost importance to us as women to recognise our utility as nurturers, as support systems of our houses, communities, nation and the world, ” she said.

Also speaking, Treasurer of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Safiya Araga urged stakeholders to provide more opportunities for women in education, safety, and justice on gender violence as well as health care.

“When women gain knowledge, opportunities, resources, let’s use it to uplift others, let’s together acquire strength to support others. Women are builders of homes, leaders of change and nurturers of dreams,”  she said.

Earlier, President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu expressed solidarity with the ITF women’s chapter, pledging the union’s support for their initiatives and the advancement of female workers within the maritime and broader transport sectors.