Today, we must champion the women currently at the forefront of GMB. Women fighting for – and winning – on equal pay, demanding appropriate PPE, safety at work and freedom from discrimination and harassment.
Writing from the TUC Women’s Conference, our members have spoken in support of motions on domestic abuse, equal pay and harassment of health and social care workers. The struggle women face in all areas of life is severe, complex, and overwhelming at times – but women in the Trade Union movement are speaking out in the endeavour for change, liberation and justice. As this struggle is compounded with the far right gaining power in the UK, it is especially important that we amplify a clear message – a woman’s place is in her union.
Strong women reps, activists and leaders are vital when Reform and their political ideology of division aims to strip women of their rights, directing their most pointed attacks against our Muslim sisters, Black sisters, trans sisters, and any woman already made vulnerable in our society.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Give to Get’. It is sometimes hard to see how our women members can give more. Support staff in schools and care for example often work multiple jobs, juggle caring responsibilities, whilst also showing resilience and determination as they fight for a better workplace for themselves and their sisters.
As International Women’s Day 2026 approaches, the most valuable way for our sisters to give is to join together as a collective, for under one banner we are stronger together.
Eleanor Marx, one of our founders and leaders in Socialist Feminism, famously said “go ahead”. 128 years on from Eleanor’s time, we must continue and carry on the message – women workers, in strength and solidarity, go ahead.