Pearl Abernethy: Reflections on chairing STUC Women’s Committee

As my term as Chair of the STUC Women’s Committee draws to a close, I have taken time to reflect on what has been an inspiring and purposeful year. It has been an honour to lead a committee dedicated to advancing women’s equality, improving workplace conditions, and strengthening the voice of women within Scotland’s trade union movement.

The Women’s Committee plays a vital role in ensuring that women’s experiences, priorities, and perspectives are at the centre of trade union policy and action. Over the past year, we have worked collectively to challenge inequality, campaign for fair work, and promote solidarity across all areas of society.

A key focus of this year’s work has been standing firm against division and discrimination. The committee has taken a clear and united stance in challenging the far right, opposing attempts to divide our communities, and reaffirming the values of unity, respect, and equality that underpin the trade union movement.

We have also worked to improve women’s working rights and eliminate workplace discrimination through the principles of the Fair Work Framework, promoting respect, opportunity, and security for all. Alongside this, the committee has begun developing a campaign for a four-day working week, recognising how such a policy could transform work-life balance, improve wellbeing, and help close gender gaps in pay and employment.

“Equality and respect are not optional extras in the workplace — they are the foundations of fair work.”

Promoting Women’s Health and Safety: 

Health, safety, and wellbeing have remained central to our work. In partnership with Scottish Hazards, the committee has helped develop violence-based risk assessments aimed at protecting women in the workplace and ensuring safer working environments.

We have also taken forward concerns about the lack of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) for women workers, writing directly to government ministers to highlight the issue and press for meaningful change.

On women’s health, the committee has developed learning materials on neurodiversity for trade union representatives and members, helping raise awareness and understanding across workplaces. In collaboration with the STUC Black Workers’ Committee, we have also sought to deepen understanding of Black women’s experiences of maternity and postnatal care, highlighting ongoing inequalities and calling for action to improve outcomes and support.

Supporting women’s leadership and building strength within the trade union movement has been another key priority. This year, the committee promoted succession planning and leadership development, applying for funding to deliver a Young Women’s Leadership and Succession Event that will nurture the next generation of women trade unionists.

Our Women’s Weekend School, held in August, was a particular highlight of the year. It was a great success and received excellent feedback from attendees. The event provided a valuable opportunity for women from across Scotland’s unions to come together, learn, and build networks of solidarity and support.

Our campaigning work this year also had a strong focus on eradicating poverty, recognising that economic inequality continues to disproportionately impact women and families. The committee continues to advocate for policies that deliver fair pay, social justice, and equal opportunity for all.

In addition to this work, I was proud to deliver speeches at this year’s STUC Black Workers’ Conference and Disabled Workers’ Conference, showing solidarity and unity across our equality committees. These moments reminded me of the strength that comes from standing together and ensuring that all voices — across every background and identity — are heard and valued within our movement.

“Solidarity across our equality committees is essential. When we stand together, we are stronger, louder, and more effective.”

While significant progress has been made, there is still much to do. The STUC Women’s Committee remains determined to keep women’s equality at the forefront of the movement and to continue campaigning for a fairer, safer, and more inclusive Scotland.

It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Chair, working alongside such passionate and dedicated trade unionists. Together, we have continued to build a movement where women’s voices are heard, respected, and empowered to make change.

I have served as Chair of the STUC Women’s Committee for 2024/25, following my role as Vice Chair in 2023/24. I remain an active Community Union representative, committed to promoting women’s equality, fair work, and leadership across Scotland’s trade union movement.