1. 1 TRADE UNION STRATEGIES FOR YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY AND INCLUSIVENESS IN AFRICA Uzziel Twagilimana, CNV Internationaal Programme Coordinator / senior Advisor for Africa Cotonou 7th November 2015

2. PLAN 1. Problems analysis and major challenges 2. Major trade union strategies and best practices in Africa 3. Recommendations 4. Conclusion 2

3. 1. 1. Problems analysis Africa : world youngest population with 70% below 30 years and 20% between 15 and 20years Inequality based on gender and sex: poverty and exclusion, feminisation of poverty Low level of participation of the youth in decision making at local and national level Mismatch between the education systems and skills needed on the labour market No respect of labour rights and human rights Inaccessibility to physical, financial and social capital (women/land, bank loan, weak youth organisations) No choice other than precarious jobs and risky migration Risk of manipulation by extremist ideologies, no social peace

4. 2. Trade union strategies and good practices DECENT WORK is a key for inclusion – Respect of labour rights – Access to productive employment with adequate living income – Access to social protection – Social dialogue at all levels EMPLOYABILITY: access to job and maintain it; capacity to adapt the skills the new market needs 4

5. 5 Organising and giving the voice to the youth: National youth forum in Bénin, national youth trade union platforms Negotiation of quality internships: in Niger the Banking sector Personal development: coaching and advise (in Benin with COSI) Information dissemination on job opportunities in Bénin Social dialogue: 6000 casual teachers receive permanent contracts in Niger in 2015 Training and capacity building: CNV regional seminars, training on CSR Lobby and advocacy: Benin, Senegal Studies, Knowedge building, exchange : S-S, N-S Struggle against women violence at work and schools: projects by a trade union, 2 ONG with the support of Cnv and the Dutch Embassy in Benin Trade union strategies and good practices

6. 6 3. Recommendations Focus on decent jobs Focus on decent jobs Giving a voice to the youth Giving a voice to the youth Social dialoque Social dialoque Multi-stakeholder approach: Multi-stakeholder approach: Coordinated efforts, and common agenda Coordinated efforts, and common agenda Knowledge building and exchange Gender mainstreaming

7. 4. Conclusions We remain convinced that : “ inclusiveness and growth are hardly achievable without decent work for the youth and women”!!!!