UASA Media Release: 29 September 2026
In Picture: IndustriALL Leadership and Delegates during the Youth Regional Conference in Abidjan.
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
The IndustriALL Global Union’s annual regional meetings and conferences are underway in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, until 2 October. As an IndustriALL affiliate, UASA is attending the Regional Youth and Women’s meetings, among others.
Held under the theme “Promote Inclusivity in the World of Work”, the Regional Youth Meeting focuses on the rapidly changing world of work and the impact of structural transformation on young workers. The meeting provides trade unions with a platform to exchange experiences, discuss responses to these changes, and explore how unions are adapting to developments at both national and global levels.
In her opening address, IndustriALL Assistant General Secretary Christina Olivier emphasised that the challenge facing young people extends beyond gaining access to employment.
“Young workers need decent jobs that enable them to live with dignity,” she said, highlighting the importance of creating and supporting employment opportunities that embrace technological change while driving sustainable growth and economic development across sectors.
The Regional Women’s Meeting, convened under the theme “Embedding the Feminist Resolution in Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Work”, focused on the feminist resolution adopted at IndustriALL’s 2025 Congress. Discussions centred on the implementation of the resolution through a regional action plan and the impact of gender-focused initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa.
For UASA, engagement with trade unions and organisations from across the region provides a valuable opportunity to learn from shared experiences and best practices. Participation in both the youth and women’s meetings strengthens the union’s understanding of the challenges and realities facing young workers and women in contemporary workplaces.
Throughout the week, UASA representatives will contribute to regional discussions and explore practical solutions that can be applied within the South African context. The insights and lessons gained will support the union’s ongoing efforts to advance worker representation and promote inclusive workplace policies across sectors.
UASA’s participation reflects its continued commitment to building a more inclusive and representative trade union movement, where young workers and women are empowered to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of work.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.