EMPOWERING WOMEN FOR EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES

BY

OGHARANDUKU VICTORTRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OFFICERMICAEL IMOUDU NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LABOUR STUDIES, ILORIN

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, economic restructuring hasbeen going on in all sectors of theEconomy and within the global economy. These changes include:

increased international competitionbetween nations for investments increased capital mobility a great emphasis on trade reduced public spending and regulation of the economy

CONT.With these changes there has been a move toward deregulation of labour markets as well as a corresponding increase in flexible forms of labour.Such as: part-time work contracting and sub-contracting outsourcing and home work

CONT.

At the same time economies in the developing world are trying to bridge the gap resulting from the transition from manufacturing toknowledge-base economies currentlybeen pursued by the industralisedeconomies.

This shift phenomenon is been accompanied by an increasingemphasis on the need for highly skilled specialised workers.

CONT,These along with the “myth” surrounding women’s participationin the workforce portend greatbarrier to the entry and the eventual participation in the Labour force. This is further compounded concepts and perspectives held by society.

EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES

The Challenges are diverse, the include the following: Low wage or salary or Wage discrimination Limited career development opportunities'Occupational segregation or Occupational

structures Lack of access to quality jobs Occupational mobility Employer and Employee prejudice

RESPONSE OF WOMEN TO CHALLENGESWomen have responded to these in two ways:

they have reacted in the manner thatdiscriminated groups have done through out history by entering into professional and proprietary occupations. Such as Law, Accounting, Consultancy, and Research. A few have become entrepreneurs in servicesand retail fields. Some decided to keep the status quo or

relegate themselves to the background

STRATEGIES AND APPROACHES TOEMPOWERING WOMEN

Qualitative education in all its ramifications Quality and constant training and re-training

on the job Development of specific policies and

practices to empower women at both entry point and on the jobWomen need to advance their interests by

building networks and platforms from which they can assist their women folks in the marketplace

CONT.Immediate implementation of the UN

Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women of 1979

Domestication of ILO conventions and implementation of already ratifiedconventions and recommendations

Gender mainstreaming in all sectors of theeconomy.

CONCLUSIONAs economies advance and changes occurin the labour market. It in the best interest of the nation that the potentials imbedded in the women folk be tapped and efficiently allocated for the development of women and the country as a whole. Government also needs to prioritise andmake a firm commitment to ending gender discrimination in the labour market

Thank you