SAWEN Positioned to Align Union Gender Policies to ILO Convention 190
On the 18thand 19th February 2026, the Southern Africa Women in Education Network (SAWEN), a Sub-Region under EI Africa’s Women in Education Network (AWEN), held an online training under the theme; “Harmonizing Union Gender Policies with Global Standards: A SAWEN Policy Review Dialogue”, which brough together union representatives to review and align gender policies with global standards, reflecting the importance of creating safer, more inclusive education environments.
The EI Africa Regional Director, Dr Dennis Sinyolo, in his opening remarks emphasised the importance of aligning union gender policies to international labour standards, specifically ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment. He pointed out that only 11 countries in Africa have ratified the Convention, and 5 are from Southern Africa. Therefore, more needed to be done to put pressure on African governments to ratify and implement ILO Convention 190. He observed that, overall, Africa has good policies, however, implementation is a challenge, therefore there is the need to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
SAWEN training objectives were to: review key elements for inclusion in union gender policies, promote developments or revision of sexual harassment policies, highlight the need for clear reporting procedures, and support the implementation of updated SAWEN policy changes. Participants achieved a lot during the training. A presentation on the gender policy development framework equipped them with the tools needed to create effective policies. Participants developed advocacy country plans, explored sexual harassment procedures, and reviewed the SAWEN Gender Policy. The training marked an important step towards harmonising union gender policies with the global standards, particularly ILO C190. By aligning policies and promoting clear reporting procedures, SAWEN members are positioned to promote gender equality in their union and in the education sector.
Dr. Sinyolo commended SAWEN for the work they are doing and affirmed that their plans and reports are up to standard. He touched on the upcoming Education International 5th World Women’s Conference that will be held in September 2026 in Brazil. He encouraged unions to sponsor women so that they can be part of the global event. He informed participants that EI Africa will launch a mentorship program this year for young educators to sharpen young cadres in leadership skills so that they fully participate in union activities, structures and leadership. He concluded by introducing the new Regional Coordinator, Ratanang Baleseng and thanked Anais Dayamba who is retiring at the end of February for her dedication and commitment to EI Africa.
Closing the SAWEN training, Regional Coordinator, Anais Dayamba, congratulated SAWEN for a successful and well conducted training. She commended all participants for their active participation and meaningful contributions, deep reflections, sharing of experiences and concrete action plans presented. She expressed deep appreciation to resource persons for their expertise and guidance throughout the training exercise. She formally appreciated and thanked all union leaders for leadership, dedication and solidarity demonstrated throughout her collaboration with them.