By Chinedu Echianu
The National Chairperson of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women’s Commission, Comrade Miriam Mbanaso, has called for stronger international labour standards to protect women from workplace abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC 2026) in Geneva, Mbanaso said global labour systems must urgently close existing gaps affecting women, especially those in vulnerable work environments.
“We have a lot of gaps, especially when it comes to women and gender issues. I am hopeful that this conference will produce conventions, laws and policies that will protect women from abuse and harassment and give them the dignity they deserve,” she said.
She stressed that women in domestic work, informal sectors, and child labour situations continue to face exploitation across many countries.
Call for Stronger Implementation in Nigeria
Mbanaso expressed hope that outcomes from the conference would be implemented in Nigeria to improve women’s participation in leadership and workplace decision-making.
She also highlighted ongoing advocacy by the PENGASSAN Women’s Commission to strengthen collaboration with global labour bodies.
“We have extended a hand of fellowship and collaboration with the ITUC and the ILO. These partnerships will help us form a stronger force to amplify women’s voices and advance their interests,” she noted.
According to her, the commission is also working with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and exploring engagement with ITUC Ghana for an upcoming webinar on women’s labour rights.
Fight Against Workplace Harassment
The PENGASSAN Women’s leader said the commission has intensified awareness campaigns and advocacy against workplace harassment and abuse, encouraging women to speak up and seek justice.
“We continue to tell women not to remain silent or intimidated, but to speak up whenever such issues arise,” she said.
She added that security agencies have also been engaged to improve enforcement mechanisms against offenders.
AI, Future of Work, and Women in Oil and Gas
Mbanaso also addressed concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and job displacement, noting that women in the oil and gas sector are actively preparing for digital transformation.
“AI is here to stay and everyone is building capacity. PENGASSAN has invested significantly in training women through business schools and international programmes to ensure we are not left behind,” she said.
While acknowledging automation risks, she emphasized that human expertise remains essential.
“AI is a machine and it still requires human intelligence to function. We are preparing ourselves to work behind the scenes and ensure these technologies deliver value efficiently,” she added.
