ZCTU Empowers Women and Youths to Lead Zambia's Labour Movement 

By Daily News Reporter 

In a decisive move to strengthen the labour movement, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) convened a landmark Women and Youth Leadership Training Workshop this week, drawing delegates from across its affiliated unions. The workshop underscores ZCTU’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of trade union leaders who are equipped to defend workers’ rights and drive social justice.

Speaking during the workshop, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General Dr. Joy Beene emphasized the importance of inclusivity in leadership. “A strong labour movement must create space for every worker—men, women, and young people—to participate actively in shaping the direction of our unions and the future of work in our country,” he said.

The event coincided with the dual celebrations of International Women’s Day, themed “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”, and Zambia’s Youth Day, themed “Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited for a Sustainable Future.”

 These milestones served as a powerful reminder that the vitality and sustainability of the labour movement depend on empowering women and young workers today.

Participants engaged in discussions on leadership development, gender equality, and youth empowerment within unions. The training emphasized the need for active, vibrant women and youth structures, which go beyond symbolic representation to enable real influence in decision-making and mobilization of workers.

Dr Beene also noted that women workers continue to face discrimination, limited promotions opportunities, and workplace harassment, while young workers struggle with high unemployment, insecure jobs, and low wages.

 “A trade union movement that excludes women cannot be strong. A trade union movement that ignores young workers cannot be sustainable,” he stressed.

The workshop also reinforced the principle of solidarity across generations and genders. Experienced leaders were urged to mentor the next generation, while young workers were encouraged to step into leadership roles and actively organize their peers. Men and women alike were reminded that building strong unions is a shared responsibility.

With Zambia approaching a national election year, participants were also urged to maintain professionalism in the workplace, keeping unions focused on advancing workers’ welfare rather than partisan politics.

By the end of the workshop, delegates left equipped with practical strategies to recruit more women and young workers, promote gender equality, and strengthen the institutional capacity of their unions.

Dr Beene said that ZCTU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affiliates in building democratic, inclusive, and forward-looking unions.

This workshop marks a milestone in Zambia’s labour movement, signaling a clear dedication to empowering women and youth while reinforcing the principles of solidarity, justice, and sustainable leadership.