Women trade unionists come together in Dundalk to tackle misogyny, racism and the rise of the far right
Women trade unionists from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England gathered in Dundalk for the annual Women’s Council of the Isles – an international forum dedicated to advancing equality, sharing best practice and strengthening the voice of women in trade unions.
Sarah Everson, also a member of the TUC Cymru General Council, attended on behalf of Prospect. The event explored some of the most pressing challenges facing working women today. TUC Cymru delegates also participated in a presentation on the United Cymru campaign, which was well received and generated engaging discussion.
The discussions reinforced the value of international cooperation in advancing equality and ensuring women’s voices remain at the forefront of the trade union movement.
TUC Cymru Delegates © Paula Geraghty
Addressing violence against women
A key topic of discussion was the ongoing campaign to end violence against women and girls. Delegates reflected on the importance of the annual 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence campaign and the role trade unions play in raising awareness, supporting survivors and challenging harmful attitudes in workplaces and wider society.
The power of personal testimony was a key theme throughout discussions. Delegates reflected on the recent case in which a teenager was found guilty of outraging public decency after taking upskirt photographs of two teachers at a school in Fermanagh. Such accounts highlight experiences that are often hidden or overlooked. Enniskillen schoolboy guilty in upskirting case – BBC News
Union representatives emphasised the importance of sharing lived experiences to raise awareness, challenge stigma, encourage reporting and support meaningful improvements in workplace policies, protections and legislation.
Women at the centre of working life
The conference also examined how working life across Ireland has changed over the last century.
Far from the outdated perception that women’s roles are confined to the home, modern economies are increasingly reliant on women’s participation in the workforce. Many sectors, including healthcare, education, retail and public services are now predominantly staffed by women.
Delegates heard how trade unions continue to challenge narratives that seek to roll back progress on gender equality.
Working closely with TUC Cymru, unions including Prospect are committed to promoting evidence-based discussions about employment, equality and economic participation. The partnership between Prospect and TUC Cymru helps ensure workers’ voices are represented in national debates while campaigning for fair pay, flexible working, childcare provision and progression opportunities for women.
Women, leadership and trade union activism
Another major theme focused on women in leadership.
While significant progress has been made, women continue to face barriers when seeking leadership positions in workplaces, politics and trade unions. Delegates discussed strategies to increase female representation at all levels, ensuring leadership structures better reflect the diversity of the workforce they represent.
The conference heard that visible role models, mentoring opportunities and supportive workplace cultures all play a key role in encouraging the next generation of women leaders.
Understanding intersectionality
A session on intersectionality explored the way multiple aspects of a person’s identity can overlap and shape their experiences.
Intersectionality recognises that characteristics such as gender, race, disability, age, sexuality and socioeconomic background do not exist in isolation. Instead, they intersect, creating different experiences of privilege, discrimination and marginalisation.
Delegates discussed how understanding these overlapping identities is essential when developing policies and campaigns that truly represent all workers. By taking an intersectional approach, unions can ensure that women’s voices are heard while also recognising the unique barriers faced by Black women, disabled women, migrant women and other underrepresented groups.
Building solidarity across borders
Conference delegates © Paula Geraghty
The Women’s Council of the Isles serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from international solidarity.
By bringing together women trade unionists from across these islands, the event provides an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and develop collective strategies to combat misogyny, racism and inequality.
