NUEW
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The Role of Women Workers in National Reconstruction
As part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW), a final workshop was held in Asmara at Hager Media Hall, Ministry of Information. Organized by NUEW, the workshop was conducted under the theme "Our Youth, Our Guarantee!" and focused on "The Role of Women Workers in National Reconstruction." The event brought together 140 women and 80 men from various regions across the country.
The Role of Women Workers in National Reconstruction
As part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW), a final workshop was held in Asmara at Hager Media Hall, Ministry of Information. Organized by NUEW, the workshop was conducted under the theme "Our Youth, Our Guarantee!" and focused on "The Role of Women Workers in National Reconstruction." The event brought together 140 women and 80 men from various regions across the country.
The Role of Women Workers in National Reconstruction
As part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW), a final workshop was held in Asmara at Hager Media Hall, Ministry of Information. Organized by NUEW, the workshop was conducted under the theme "Our Youth, Our Guarantee!" and focused on "The Role of Women Workers in National Reconstruction." The event brought together 140 women and 80 men from various regions across the country.
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The later paper was presented by Almaz Lijam, manager of the Zoba Maekel administration. She discussed the critical role of women in national development, emphasizing the need for balanced relationships and recognizing women as a vital and productive force in society. Ms. Almaz recalled that in Eritrea, women's participation in the workforce began during colonial rule, particularly under Italian colonization, where they were confined to lower-paying, less efficient jobs. Notably, women employed in Baratolo and the Textile Factory fought for their legal right to higher wages, ultimately securing significant improvements. Furthermore, during the armed struggle, women gained access to proper education, allowing them to work in factories established in liberated areas and become certified professionals. As a result, they played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Eritrean women in the workforce.
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The conference was opened by Ms. Tekea Tesfamichael, head of NUEW Zoba Maekel. In her opening remarks, she emphasized that the workshop aimed to assess the conditions of women workers in various sectors, their historical roles, and their future contributions to national reconstruction. The sub-theme of the workshop, she announced, was "Enriching Our Potential for Quality Production and Equal Benefits." To achieve this, she stressed the importance of education and professional development for women to enhance their contributions. She concluded by encouraging attendees to engage with the seven research papers presented at the workshop, which addressed women's efficiency in different careers, the progress made so far, and future steps for further advancements.
Ms. Luul Gebreab highlighted that the workshop was part of a series of discussions commemorating the 30th anniversary of NUEW, focusing on the political, social, and economic lives of women. She also referenced a message from President Isaias Afwerki during the anniversary of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, which provided theoretical insights into the current situation of workers. She emphasized the commitment to these principles in assessing the conditions of Eritrean women workers, noting that the government and its allies were dedicated to equipping women with modern technology and knowledge to enhance productivity— a key driver of national development.
Ms. Almaz commended the coordinators for their efforts in highlighting the role of women throughout successive colonial eras, the liberation struggle, and post-independence. She reiterated that no profession should exclude women and reaffirmed NUEW’s commitment to gender inclusivity in the workforce.
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Over the two-day workshop, seven research papers prepared by experts from various ministries and government organizations were presented. The papers, delivered by Ms. Tekea Tesfamichael (NUEW Zoba Maekel), Mr. Mebrahtu Zewde (NUEW Headquarters), Mr. Hagos Mebrahtu (Ministry of Labor), Ms. Zeferework Fissehaye (Ministry of Trade and Industry), Eng. Hermon Tesfalidet, Mr. Solomon Abraham (Imperial Hotel), and Ms. Azieb Birhane (NUEW Headquarters), focused on promoting gender-sensitive policies in ministries and organizations. They advocated for positive discrimination until women achieve competitive efficiency, the integration of gender-sensitive systems in all institutions, and NUEW’s role in overseeing these implementations.
Ms. Tekea Tesfamichael presented a paper outlining the history of women workers in Eritrea. She detailed their roles in factories, the challenges they faced, and practical solutions in line with modern technological advancements. Decades ago, women globally fought for workplace rights, including equal pay and improved conditions. These movements led to significant changes, and Eritrean women actively contributed to the struggle for independence, playing a vital role in the workforce.
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Mr. Mebrahtu Zewde examined the current status of women workers and organizational structures. He emphasized that efficiency, which includes education levels and professional standards, is key to career advancement. He pointed out that workplace training programs enhance efficiency and that self-motivation is crucial for professional growth. He concluded by stressing the importance of organizing women to address cultural, political, economic, and social challenges.
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Mr. Hagos Mebrahtu discussed various factors affecting women in their careers, including maternity leave and workplace discrimination. He explored gender equality in employment and proposed strategies for implementing equal opportunities in all sectors. Despite progress, women still face discrimination in hiring, wages, and career advancement. He outlined government policies designed to eliminate workplace discrimination and suggested creating conducive environments to make women more competitive in the job market, particularly in leadership and specialized fields. steps for further advancements.
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Ms. Zeferework Fissehaye focused on women’s participation in the industrial sector and national reconstruction. She highlighted the reality that many women are relegated to low-paying jobs with limited growth opportunities. As a result, their workforce participation declines over time. While the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers oversees these issues, she pointed out gaps in addressing them effectively. She called for stronger collaboration between NUEW, NCEW, and other relevant bodies to resolve these challenges.
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Engineer Hermon Tesfalidet presented a study on women in the construction sector, emphasizing their roles in administrative and technical positions. However, participation in manual labor remains low. She supported her findings with statistical data on income levels, job roles, education, and training programs. Her research indicated that while women are overrepresented in lower-level jobs, their presence in specialized technical roles remains minimal.
Mr. Solomon Abraham examined women’s roles in service industries, including hospitality, finance, and utilities. He provided detailed reports on women’s education levels, salaries, and job positions in hotels, banks, insurance companies, and other service providers.
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Ms. Azieb Birhane discussed women’s participation in transportation and communication. She noted that during the independence struggle, women comprised 30% of the transportation workforce, which later increased slightly to 33% post-independence. However, most women work in clerical, sanitation, and storage roles, with minimal representation in technical fields like mechanics and auto-electrical work. She expressed optimism that the National Vocational Training Center in Sawa would help bridge this gap by producing more women professionals in these sectors.
At the end of the two-day workshop, a summary of all the research papers was presented to participants. Attendees engaged in group discussions, offering clarifications and further insights. The workshop concluded with constructive suggestions and recommendations aimed at improving women’s participation and efficiency in the workforce.