The National Chairperson of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women’s Commission, Comrade Mary-Anne Mbanaso has called for stronger international laws and policies to protect women from workplace exploitation, harassment and discrimination.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, she expressed high expectations that member states would adopt measures capable of addressing the numerous challenges confronting women workers across the world.
According to her, women remain vulnerable to various forms of abuse in workplaces, domestic employment and the informal economy, making stronger legal frameworks imperative.
She said: “We know that our country, Nigeria, still has a lot of disparities and gaps, especially when it comes to women and gender issues. I am here with a high expectation, believing that laws, conventions and policies will be made that will protect women, especially in workplaces and domestic work.”
Mbanaso lamented that many women continue to suffer exploitation, harassment and labour abuses, stressing that the conference presents an opportunity for the international community to strengthen protections for female workers.
“A lot of women have been used and abused in child labour, domestic work and even in the informal sector. There are a lot of abuses where women are treated as if they do not have value. I am hopeful that policies and conventions emerging from this conference will give women the dignity they deserve,” she added.
The labour leader expressed optimism that resolutions reached at the conference would be domesticated and effectively implemented in Nigeria to ensure women have greater representation in decision-making processes.
She also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in advancing gender equality and labour rights, revealing that PENGASSAN Women’s Commission has already established collaborations with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
According to her, the commission was also working with ITUC Ghana to organise a webinar within the next month to advance discussions on women’s rights and workplace inclusion.
“We have extended a hand of fellowship and collaboration with the ITUC and the ILO. Having these partnerships will help us form a stronger force to give women the voice they deserve.”
On concerns over the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs, Mbanaso said women in the oil and gas sector were preparing to embrace emerging technologies through continuous training and capacity development.
She commended PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo for investing in leadership and professional development programmes for women, including local and international training opportunities aimed at equipping them for the future of work.
“AI is here to stay. Everybody is upskilling and building capacity. We are ready and not afraid because AI itself still requires human intelligence to function effectively.”
Mbanaso maintained that with sustained investment in skills development and strategic partnerships, women workers would remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
