- Conference
- 2026 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 5 August 2025
- Decision
- Carried
UNISON is the largest union in the UK, with a majority of women members – ‘A million women’s voices’ that need to be amplified across all sectors of our union. We celebrate and recognise the vital role that women continue to play at all levels – as activists, workplace representatives at both regional and national levels, within service groups, and in self-organised groups.
Women bring their lived experiences of discrimination in all its forms to influence UNISON’s campaigning work and policies. Through this, they seek to influence government by providing examples of how positive, progressive change can be achieved in wider society.
UNISON was the first union to embed proportionality as one of its founding principles and to ensure that all women including low paid women, were represented in all UNISON’s elected positions.
From the onset, green, purple and white (which are the colours of the suffragette movement) became UNISONs emblem. Over the years Women in UNISON have made many gains and fought many battles. The suffragettes as well as those who came before and after, would be proud.
UNISON continues to strive to eradicate all pay gaps that unfortunately still exist – especially for Black, disabled, LGBT+ and young women. The Equal Pay Act became law 52 years ago in 1970, yet the gender pay gap still stood at 13.1% for all employees in the UK as of April 2024. However, the struggle continues for maternity rights, flexible working, affordable childcare, pension equality, and the fight against sexual harassment and misogyny. The list of struggles goes on.
Women are the backbone of not only UNISON but of society; the collective strength we bring is immeasurable.
Making 2027 the Year of Women Workers will offer a platform to carry forward this great legacy of achievements and empower women to move into a better future — especially at a time when a global lens reveals attempts to turn back the clock.
Conference calls on the National Women’s Committee to seek support from the union to make 2027 the Year of Women Workers, in UNISON and to seek support from the Trades Union Congress and other unions to support the initiative.
As part of that Year Conference calls on the national Women’s committee to work with the NEC and other appropriate UNISON bodies:
1)To develop and deliver events and activities to mark the Year of Women Workers that:
a)Celebrates the successes and contributions of women in the workplace and trade union.
b) Showcase success stories and role models.
c) Raise awareness of women’s rights and discrimination throughout the union.
d) Promote UNISON’s work on women’s equality.
2. To undertake an audit of training specifically targeted at women across UNISON and highlight this on the website identifying where gaps may exist.
