This International Women’s Day UNI is fighting for women workers’ wellbeing

This International Women’s Day (IWD), UNI Global Union is launching a new manual to help women workers worldwide assert their right to mental health protections in the workplace. 

Similar to guides released last year around menstruation, motherhood and menopause, Mental Health at Work: A Fundamental Right will help unions address topics too often seen as taboo. It provides tools to identify, prevent and manage psychosocial risks in the workplace. 

Stress, excessive workloads, workplace violence and harassment, unequal treatment and job insecurity are persistent – and disproportionate – threats to women’s mental wellbeing on the job.  

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, leading to a 25 per cent increase in anxiety and depression disorders in just one year. Globally, women have close to two-times the lifetime rates of depression and most anxiety disorders compared to men. Despite this, the stigma surrounding mental health issues prevents many women from seeking the support they need. 

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, said: 

“Across economic sectors and national borders, a mental health crisis is hitting women workers especially hard. At its root, this crisis is caused by many of the inequalities and indignities – inequality, workplace harassment, excessive workloads – that unions are best positioned to address.” 

Veronica Fernandez Mendez, Head of Equal Opportunities at UNI Global Union, said: 

“Women’s mental health is not just an individual concern – it affects us all. Employers and policymakers must recognize the urgent need for mental health protections at work, ensuring that women have access to safe, supportive and inclusive environments. Unions are key in breaking down stigma, advocating for policies prioritizing well-being and creating workplaces where all women can thrive.” 

The guide includes strategies to: 

• Recognize and mitigate work-related stressors disproportionately affecting women 

• Combat stigma and discrimination around mental health 

• Advocate for flexible work arrangements, paid leave and mental health support systems 

• Promote mental health awareness and training for workers and employers 

• Ensure access to independent occupational health services 

 UNI Global Union continues to demand the ratification and implementation of ILO Convention 190 (C190) and Recommendation 206 (R206) to strengthen protections against workplace violence and harassment, which significantly impact mental health. 

Join the online action 

This International Women’s Day, we call for urgent action to make women’s mental health a workplace priority. Unions must continue to demand comprehensive policies, push for legislative change, and fight for workplaces free from discrimination and violence. 

 📢 Mental health is a right—let’s defend it together! 

🔗   [Download the Mental Health at Work Guide] 
📲 [Campaign Materials for Social Media] 

 Follow us on social media and use the hashtag #IWD2025 to support the movement for safe and healthy workplaces for all women workers.