- Conference
- 2026 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 17 October 2025
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference notes with concern the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) interim guidance which risks creating confusion and division around the rights of women, particularly in workplaces. This guidance has recently been taken down from their website, however many workplaces have already started to implement its guidelines. While the guidance was presented as clarification on single-sex spaces, it fails to recognise the complex and diverse realities of women’s lives — including those whose gender expression, identity, or sexual orientation does not fit narrow social expectations of what a woman should look like or how she should behave.
Conference believes that women in our movement and our workplaces have fought long and hard for equality, safety, and respect. However, this guidance may unintentionally undermine those efforts by encouraging a culture of suspicion and policing of women’s bodies and identities. Women who do not conform to gender stereotypes, such as women with short hair, perceived masculine dress, or an androgynous presentation may face increased scrutiny or discrimination in both their professional and personal lives.
Conference further notes that such scrutiny disproportionately affects women who already experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. For example, Black women are often subject to racist stereotypes about appearance and behaviour; disabled women can face ableist assumptions that strip them of autonomy; and LGBT+ women may be targeted because of who they love or how they present. These intersectional experiences mean that some women encounter compounded barriers to equality, inclusion, and safety at work.
Conference recognises that this issue is not limited to one group of women. It affects all women, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes about how women should look, speak, and exist. When employers or colleagues feel entitled to question a woman’s legitimacy or appearance, it erodes solidarity and makes workplaces less safe for everyone.
UNISON’s LGBT+ members stand firmly for inclusion, fairness, and equality. We believe our movement must respond collectively to ensure all women are treated with dignity and respect, without fear of being challenged for who they are or how they present. Conference believes that solidarity among women is our strongest defence against division — and that UNISON must lead the way in defending the rights of all women.
Conference calls on the National Women’s Committee to:
1)Work with the Black, Disabled and LGBT+ Self-Organised Groups to produce clear, practical guidance for members who experience discrimination or harassment in their workplaces as a result of not conforming to gender stereotypes.
2)Work with activists, stewards, and members to increase understanding of the impact of gender stereotyping and the importance of inclusive women’s spaces.
3)Work with Labour Link to lobby the Government to ensure that equality law and policy protects all women from discrimination and continues to promote safety, inclusion, and respect for diversity.
