International Women’s Day 2026: Turning commitments into progress for gender equality

This year’s occasion comes at a crucial moment for gender equality in Europe. While the EU has made significant progress in advancing women’s rights over the past decades, structural inequalities in the labour market, persistent gender pay and pension gaps, and violence against women continue to affect millions across the continent. The most recent edition of the Gender Equality Index of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) confirms that while progress in gender equality is in many places a reality, the process is very slow.

Recent political developments underline both the urgency and the opportunity to act. The European Commission’s newly published EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 reaffirms gender equality as a fundamental value of the Union and highlights the importance of ensuring equal opportunities in all areas of life, from employment and economic independence to health, political participation and protection from violence.

Yet, despite existing legislation and policy commitments, progress remains uneven. Women in the EU still earn on average less than men and remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Many continue to carry a disproportionate share of unpaid care responsibilities, which affects their career prospects and long-term financial security. Gender-based violence also remains a widespread violation of fundamental rights, with one in three women in the EU experiencing violence during their lifetime.

For CESI, addressing these persistent inequalities requires strong social dialogue and the meaningful consultation of trade unions in political decision making processes. Gender equality is not only a matter of justice but also a prerequisite for sustainable economic and social development.

In its recent position to inform the new EU Gender Equality Strategy, CESI has emphasised several key priorities: strengthening the fight against gender-based violence and harassment, closing gender pay and pension gaps, breaking the glass ceiling in leadership positions, ensuring a fair distribution of care responsibilities, and improving access to quality employment and working conditions for women across Europe.

Policy makers and trade unions play a crucial role in advancing these objectives. Through effective regulatory frameworks as well as collective bargaining and workplace policies, they can help ensure that equality measures translate into tangible improvements for workers.

Marking International Women’s Day, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger underlines the importance of sustained commitment: “Gender equality is a cornerstone of a fair and democratic and not least competitive Europe. While important progress has been made, too many women still face discrimination, unequal pay and barriers to career advancement. The new EU Gender Equality Strategy must translate ambition into concrete action. Trade unions stand ready to work with European institutions and Member States to ensure that equality at work and in society becomes a reality for all.”

He added: “At a time when gender equality faces renewed political and societal challenges in many parts of the world, Europe must continue to lead by example. This means not only setting ambitious goals but also ensuring effective implementation, adequate resources and strong cooperation between institutions, social partners and civil society.”

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