IWD 2026: TUC women chair rallies global action for equality, economic justice

The National Chairperson of the Women Commission of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Esther Ahmadu, has called for stronger global unity and decisive action to advance the rights of women and girls, stressing that empowerment remains the bedrock of sustainable development and social justice.

Ahmadu made the call at the Commission’s International Women’s Day (IWD) event, themed “Empowering Women: The Path to Equal Rights and Economic Justice.” She noted that the theme reflects urgent realities that transcend national boundaries, political ideologies, and cultural divides, reinforcing the need for a collective global response to gender inequality.

According to her, the empowerment of women is not merely aspirational but a fundamental requirement for achieving inclusive growth and global balance. She stressed that women must be recognized as equal stakeholders, entitled to the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources as men.

“Empowerment is not just about elevating women into positions of authority,” she said, “it is about dismantling entrenched systemic barriers that have long restricted women from reaching their full potential. Women must not remain passive observers but active participants in shaping the change they seek.”

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She identified key barriers to women’s advancement to include limited access to quality education, healthcare, financial resources, and persistent cultural norms that sustain gender-based violence and discrimination. Addressing these challenges, she said, is critical to unlocking the full potential of women globally.

Ahmadu further argued that the struggle for women’s rights is inseparable from the broader pursuit of justice, emphasizing that true justice must be holistic—encompassing both legal protections and economic empowerment.

Highlighting the role of the TUC Women Commission, she said the body has made significant strides in advocating for gender inclusion, promoting women’s participation in decision-making processes, and pushing policies aimed at closing the gender pay gap, supporting female entrepreneurship, and enhancing political representation.

Despite these efforts, she lamented that many women continue to face harsh realities, including marginalization, undervaluation of their economic contributions, and the burden of unpaid labour, which she described as a largely invisible yet significant component of the global economy.

She questioned the persistent barriers preventing women from accessing credit facilities, owning property, and fully harnessing their entrepreneurial potential, insisting that such limitations must be urgently addressed.

Describing the IWD theme—“Rights, Justice and Action for Women and Girls”—as a clarion call, Ahmadu urged stakeholders across the globe to take concrete steps toward eliminating all forms of discrimination and inequality against women.

“In every part of the world, women are still fighting for basic rights—the right to live free from violence, to access healthcare, to earn equal pay for equal work, and to participate fully in all spheres of life,” she stated.

She called on governments, institutions, and civil society to move beyond promises and adopt measurable actions, including the implementation of gender-responsive policies, resource mobilization, and accountability mechanisms for those in positions of authority.

Ahmadu stressed that achieving meaningful progress requires a united front that rejects complacency and confronts injustice head-on.

She reaffirmed her commitment to leading advocacy efforts through the TUC Women Commission, pledging solidarity with women and girls striving for a better future. She urged sustained collective action to build a society that is balanced, inclusive, and equitable, where the rights and aspirations of women and girls are fully realised.