Women in Trade Union Activities: Implications for Participatory Democracy in Nigeria

Women had broken various barriers to gain entry into wage employment with a view to contributing to the socio-economic development of their societies. This consequently gave them the opportunity to take part in other activities within industry especially, Trade Unionism. Trade Unions as organised collectivity of workers profess equality and democratic principles among their members irrespective of gender. This book provides an insight into the structure and organisation of trade unions with regard to the participation of women particularly within their decision making organs. Trade unions exhibit patriarchal values and attitudes which in concert with marital and domestic responsibilities have moderated women participation in these organisations. Yet sustainable socio-economic development is contigent upon the maximum utilisation of available human resource. As women have demonstrated their interest in contributing their quota towards the development of their society, it is imperative that trade unions discountenance patriarchal attitudes and practices that tend to reinforce women subordination as enunciated in this study.