The ETUC is strongly committed to achieving equality between women and men. Women make up more than 50% of Europe’s population and around 45% of ETUC members. The ETUC works to promote women’s rights, and equality between women and men in the labour market and society in general.

ETUC priorities are outlined in the Paris Action Programme (2015-2019) and the ETUC Action Programme on Gender Equality 2016 – 2019, and include: I. Mainstreaming gender into all ETUC policies; II. Achieving equal pay between women and men; III. Eliminating the gender gap in decision-making bodies; III. Tackling the challenge of work-life balance; IV. Facilitating work, family and private life; V. Addressing the link between domestic violence and workplace rights.

The annual 8th March Survey  monitors the gender balance in trade union decision-making bodies. The ETUC is lobbying for greater economic independence for women, new EU legislation to improve work/life balance and a directive addressing gender imbalances on company boards. It has produced a Toolkit for Gender Equality, with the EU-level employers. The ETUC takes part in the EU’s Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities; the European Institute for Gender Equality Experts’ Forum; and the European Women’s Lobby.