Women’s trade union membership stands on average at 40 percent, yet women occupy only 15 per cent of the top decision-making positions in their organisations.

Women’s labour force participation rates are stagnating; young women continue to be disproportionately affected by unemployment; the gender pay gap remains at an average of some 20 per cent; women continue to suffer from segregation in low-quality and undervalued jobs and to be over-represented in informal and non-standard forms of work, as well as unpaid care work. Gender-based violence in the world of work is a significant barrier to women’s effective labour force participation.

Decent employment of women is the fastest and most sustainable way to drive growth and productivity. Organising around women’s economic and social rights can build workers’ power and deliver stronger, more representative unions that truly reflect the diversity of our membership at all levels, including the highest levels.