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TRADE UNION STRATEGIES FOR YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY AND INCLUSIVENESS IN

AFRICA

Uzziel Twagilimana, CNV Internationaal Programme Coordinator / senior Advisor for Africa Cotonou

7th November 2015

PLAN

1. Problems analysis and major challenges

2. Major trade union strategies and best practices in Africa

3. Recommendations

4. Conclusion

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1. Problems analysis

Africa : world youngest population with 70% below 30 years and 20% between 15 and 20years

Inequality based on gender and sex: poverty and exclusion, feminisation of poverty

Low level of participation of the youth in decision making at local and national level

Mismatch between the education systems and skills needed on the labour market

No respect of labour rights and human rights Inaccessibility to physical, financial and social capital

(women/land, bank loan, weak youth organisations) No choice other than precarious jobs and risky migration Risk of manipulation by extremist ideologies, no social peace

2. Trade union strategies and good practices

DECENT WORK is a key for inclusion– Respect of labour rights– Access to productive employment with adequate

living income– Access to social protection– Social dialogue at all levels

EMPLOYABILITY: access to job and maintain it; capacity to adapt the skills the new market needs

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Organising and giving the voice to the youth: National youth forum in Bénin, national youth trade union platforms

Negotiation of quality internships: in Niger the Banking sector Personal development: coaching and advise (in Benin with

COSI) Information dissemination on job opportunities in Bénin Social dialogue: 6000 casual teachers receive permanent

contracts in Niger in 2015 Training and capacity building: CNV regional seminars, training on

CSR Lobby and advocacy: Benin, Senegal Studies, Knowedge building, exchange : S-S, N-S Struggle against women violence at work and schools: projects

by a trade union, 2 ONG with the support of Cnv and the Dutch Embassy in Benin

Trade union strategies and good practices

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3. Recommendations

Focus on decent jobs Giving a voice to the youth Social dialoque Multi-stakeholder approach: Coordinated efforts, and common agenda Knowledge building and exchange Gender mainstreaming

4. Conclusions

We remain convinced that :

“ inclusiveness and growth are hardly achievable without decent work for the youth and women”!!!!