The Togolese Federation of National Education Unions (FESEN) recently organized a two-day training workshop in Kara, Togo, for women and young trade unionists. The event, which took place on October 30-31, focused on the theme "Mobilization of Women and Youth for a Strong, Inclusive, and Dynamic Trade Unionism." The workshop aimed to strengthen participants' leadership skills, knowledge of worker rights, and social dialogue abilities.
The training program allowed participants to gain a better understanding of the legal instruments governing worker rights, administrative procedures related to teaching careers, and mechanisms for liquidating retirement pensions. The program also sought to promote gender equity, inclusive education, and increased youth participation in trade union activities. The workshop covered various topics, including international labor standards, teacher career management and development, retirement pension liquidation, inclusive education in Togo, gender equity, and current trade union movement issues.
According to FESEN's Federal Secretary, Lorie Akilè-Esso, training women and youth is a strategic investment in the future of the trade union movement. He emphasized that their energy, creativity, and innovation capacity are valuable assets for building a more representative trade union that addresses the concerns of education workers. Akilè-Esso encouraged participants to take ownership of the knowledge shared and use it to better defend their colleagues' material, moral, and professional interests.
The Federal Secretary stressed the importance of mastering administrative procedures related to career development and retirement to prevent difficulties faced by some teachers. He invited participants to access responsibilities, negotiations, and decision-making spaces effectively. Bograh Fontou, the Regional Director of Education, praised FESEN's initiative, stating that it aligns with the government's promoted dynamic of concertation and social dialogue to support education system reforms.
Fontou expressed concern that some teachers are unaware of the administrative formalities necessary for their advancement and promotion, which may deprive them of benefits they are entitled to. He urged the trainees to share their new knowledge with colleagues, both unionized and non-unionized, to enable them to better assert their rights. The training aims to ensure the succession and perpetuation of trade union organizations by increasing women's and youth involvement in decision-making bodies.
The workshop's outcome is expected to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic trade union movement in Togo. By empowering women and youth, FESEN seeks to build a stronger and more representative trade union that effectively addresses the needs and concerns of its members. The training program is part of FESEN's efforts to promote social dialogue, worker rights, and inclusive education in Togo.
The event demonstrates FESEN's commitment to investing in the future of the trade union movement by developing the skills and capacities of women and youth. The organization recognizes the importance of these groups in shaping the future of trade unionism in Togo and is taking steps to ensure their active participation and involvement in decision-making processes.
Key points
- FESEN trains women and young trade unionists to strengthen their leadership skills and knowledge of worker rights.
- The training aims to promote gender equity, inclusive education, and increased youth participation in trade union activities.
- The program seeks to ensure the succession and perpetuation of trade union organizations by increasing women's and youth involvement in decision-making bodies.
