MAY DAY MESSAGE TO ALL WORKERS
On this Workers’ Day, I, Mandy Demechi-Asagba, President of the African Women Lawyers’ Association (AWLA), on behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Council, Diamond Life Members, Life Members and distinguished Members and Partners Worldwide salute the resilience, tenacity, and hard work of every worker across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
Your daily sacrifice keeps our nations running. In factories, farms, offices, hospitals, markets, and homes — you show up, you give your best, and you hold our economies together despite immense challenges.
I pray that your efforts will be crowned with success. May you prosper and eat the fruits of your labour in due season. May dignity, rest, and reward locate and crown you.
To the Nigerian Government and Governments across Africa and the world, we respectfully urge:
1.Full Implementation of Labour Laws*and strict observance of International Labour Standards as set out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), including:
– C087– Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise
– C098– Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining
– C100 – Equal Remuneration
– C111 – Discrimination (Employment and Occupation)
– C155 – Occupational Safety and Health
– C190 – Violence and Harassment Convention
2. Guarantee Decent Work — work that is productive, delivers a fair income, security in the workplace, social protection, and equal opportunity for all.
3. Ensure Decent Pay — that reflects the true cost of living, and Safe Working Environments free from hazard, exploitation, and harassment.
4. Guarantee Safety and Security of Lives and Properties— no worker can thrive where insecurity, kidnapping, and violence persist. Protecting workers must include protecting the communities they live and work in.
5. Cushion the Effects of Economic Hardship — particularly escalating fuel prices and persistent low electricity supply — which continue to erode workers’ wages and quality of life.
6. Create an Enabling Environment for SMEs — through access to single-digit credit, power, and reduced bureaucracy, so that the unemployed, especially women and youth, can create jobs and thrive.
Workers are the engine of development. When workers are protected, secure, and empowered, nations prosper.
As we step into a new month, I wish every worker hope renewed, strength restored, and pleasant surprises.
Happy Workers’ Day and Happy New Month!
Mandy Demechi-Asagba Esq.
PRESIDENT
African Women Lawyers’ Association (AWLA)
