Women in trade unions

ETUC represents more than 60 million workers across Europe, just over 40% of whom are women.

For many years, ETUC has been working with its member organisations at national and sectoral levels to achieve gender equality in terms of both specific actions to promote gender equality and gender mainstreaming activities.

Studies in the field

Since 1993, ETUC – in close cooperation with the members of the ETUC Women’s Committee – has conducted a series of detailed, in-depth studies on the position and representativeness of women in trade union structures. The studies have been instrumental in enabling the confederation to:

  • have an overview of the situation across its membership;
  • appreciate the specificities that exist within the various trade union structures and across different countries;
  • understand the many obstacles that are in place and prevent women accessing their rightful place in trade unions.

Most importantly, these studies have helped ETUC to identify strategies and solutions to improve the situation.

More recently, ETUC has established the 8 March Survey, which is the International Women’s Day. This survey will become an annual overview exercise to determine the progress reached among ETUC affiliates in achieving the goals set out in the various studies.

Further information

See below an outline of references to various materials realised by ETUC, its affiliated members, as well as European institutions, on the specific issue of women in trade unions.

ETUC

- From membership to leadership: advancing women in trade unions : Ten things trade unions can do to promote gender balance, March 2011
- From membership to leadership: advancing women in trade unions (A resource guide ), 2010
- 8 March survey 2012, March 2012
- 8 March Survey 2011, March 2011
- 8 March Survey 2010, March 2010
- 8 March Survey 2009, March 2009
- 8 March Survey 2008, March 2008
- Women in trade unions: Bridging the gaps, July 2007
- Mid-term review of ETUC equality plan 2003–2007, June 2006
- Women in trade unions: Making the difference, April 2003 – A survey on women’s participation in trade union confederations across Europe, including a literature review, recommendations and good practice examples.