Women Leading the Way: Building Power and Opportunity in Our Union

At Community, we believe that leadership should reflect the diversity of our membership—and that means ensuring women are not only represented but empowered to lead at every level of our union. As Head of Equalities, I’m proud to say that we are making real strides in creating spaces where women thrive.

Why Women’s Leadership Matters

Women make up a significant portion of our union’s membership, yet in many of our sectors similar to other unions, trade union leadership has historically been male-dominated. That’s changing—and it must continue to change. When women lead, we see more inclusive decision-making, stronger advocacy on issues like flexible working, equal pay, and workplace safety, and a union that truly reflects the needs of all its members.

Creating Opportunities for Growth

We’re committed to developing women’s leadership and have lined up a range of initiatives taking place during 2026 so all women in our union can feel the sisterhood that Community supports and come together in strength and solidarity.

• Women’s Network: The launch of the union’s Network for Women will take place in 2026, providing a platform for women to share experiences, campaign on key issues, and shape union policy. It’s a space where women’s voices will be heard and leadership nurtured.

• Leadership Development: All Community representative and activist courses are designed to build confidence, strategic thinking, and public speaking skills—equipping women to take on roles from workplace reps roles in equality, health and safety, learning and representation, to national executive positions. We are also developing bespoke development education for women, to help women identify the barriers they face, and equip them with the skills and support they need to overcome them.
• Flexible Pathways to Leadership: We recognise that women often juggle multiple responsibilities. That’s why we’re working to make leadership roles more accessible—whether through hybrid meetings, rep-sharing opportunities, or family-friendly policies.

Celebrating Women’s Achievements

From our local reps to national negotiators, women across Community are already making a powerful impact. At Community we celebrate women and their achievements, not just on occasions we celebrate women like International Women’s Day, but every day—because their leadership strengthens our union and our movement.

Looking Ahead

Our vision is clear: a union where every woman feels empowered to lead and be heard in every corner of Community. That means continuing to challenge barriers, investing in development, and listening to the voices of women across our sectors.

If you’re a woman in Community and you’re thinking about stepping into a leadership role or want to get more involved in your union—do it! Your voice matters. Your experience matters. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.