Women and trade unions

Women have always been central to trade unions and the fight for a better society. To celebrate International Women’s Day we’ve put together a timeline of some of their key achievements

Behind the headlines, Magazine on the Magazine site.

I was petrified

Experience of a first-time speaker at UNISON’s national women’s conference

We will fight these battles together – and we’ll win

Understandably many of the UNISON members I speak to are scared, concerned or just plain appalled by the government’s assault on women. But I’m determined that no bill, cut or law will ever stop UNISON fighting for our members.

‘Let’s focus on how we can protect girls from female genital mutilation’

Speaker from charity Forward urges UNISON members to fulfil their duty to protect women and girls from FGM

Government cuts are denying women access to justice, says UNISON

Women are being hit hardest by government cuts and by changes that restrict access to justice, Dave Prentis tells women’s conference

‘A woman after every union woman’s heart’

Labour MP Naz Shah wins applause with the story of her own personal politics

‘I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor’

UNISON women’s conference applauds survivor’s tale of domestic violence

‘The real challenges’ of caring

Women share their experience as carers at Brighton conference

Beach barbecues, feminist craft, prostitution talks and hula hooping…

Conventional and unconventional approaches to recruitment debated at women’s conference

‘We have always overcome obstacles in our way’

UNISON president Wendy Nichols opens women’s conference in Brighton with call to action