CUPE women bring their voices to the United Nations

Press Release

May 11, 2026

At the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW70) in March 2026, CUPE joined activists from around the world to push for women’s equality and gender rights. CUPE was part of a strong Canadian trade union delegation, working with global partners like Public Services International and the International Trade Union Confederation, as well as the Canadian government delegation and civil society organizations.

The session focused on access to justice for all women, girls and gender-diverse people. Discussions addressed discriminatory laws, gaps in legal systems and the barriers that keep women out of decision-making.

CUPE members and allies brought a union perspective to the conversation by linking access to justice with conditions at work. They raised the need for women and gender-diverse people to have a real voice through their unions and collective bargaining. They also called for stronger protections against violence, harassment and all forms of discrimination, as well as concrete action on equal pay and decent work.

We spoke with CUPE delegates about their experiences.

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