- Conference
- 2026 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 17 October 2025
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that while women make up the majority of UNISON’s membership, this is not always reflected in positions of leadership and decision-making at all levels of the union. Barriers such as lack of confidence, limited access to training, caring responsibilities, and systemic inequality continue to prevent many women from progressing into roles where they can influence change.
Conference further notes that leadership training specifically designed by, aimed at, and delivered by women can play a critical role in building confidence, developing skills, and creating supportive networks that empower more women to get active and move into leadership positions within UNISON.
Conference believes that increasing the number of women in leadership positions strengthens the union by ensuring that decision-making better reflects the diversity and experiences of our membership. It also helps to challenge patriarchal structures and promote a more inclusive and equal union culture.
Conference welcomes the existing leadership training opportunities provided by UNISON but recognises that more needs to be done to target and support women who may not see themselves as ‘leaders’ but have the potential to make a real difference.
Conference therefore calls on the National Women’s Committee to:
1)Campaign for the expansion and promotion of women-only leadership training at regional and national levels, ensuring it is accessible and promoted to women from all backgrounds, including Black women, disabled women, LGBT+ women, young women, and women with caring responsibilities.
2)Work with Learning and Organising Services (LAOS) to develop new training programmes or adapt existing ones to better support women at different stages of their activist journey, from initial involvement to standing for leadership positions.
3)Encourage branches and regions to actively identify and support potential women leaders, including through mentoring, shadowing opportunities, and signposting to training.
4)Promote the visibility of women leaders within UNISON, by sharing their stories and experiences to inspire others and challenge stereotypes about who can be a leader.
5)Monitor and report annually on progress made to increase women’s participation in leadership roles across the union, with a view to identifying and tackling persistent barriers.
By investing in women’s leadership development, UNISON can continue to build a stronger, more representative union that truly reflects the power of its majority-female membership.
