Introduction

Women leadership in trade unions is increasingly becoming a critical driver of inclusive economic growth, decent work advocacy, and gender equality in the global labor movement. Despite significant progress in women’s rights and workplace equality, women remain underrepresented in union leadership structures, decision-making bodies, and collective bargaining platforms. Women Leadership in Trade Unions Training Course is designed to empower women with transformative leadership skills, negotiation power, and strategic influence to actively participate and lead within trade unions. It focuses on strengthening feminist leadership, labor rights advocacy, policy influence, and organizational governance in union environments.

In today’s rapidly evolving world of work shaped by globalization, digital transformation, gig economy expansion, and labor migration women leaders in trade unions must be equipped with modern tools for advocacy, conflict resolution, and social dialogue. The course integrates practical leadership development with labor law literacy, gender mainstreaming, and collective bargaining strategies. Participants will gain the confidence and competence to champion workers’ rights, drive institutional change, and advance inclusive trade unionism at local, national, and international levels.

Programme Curriculum

Women Leadership in Trade Unions Training Course

Introduction

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

Strengthen women leadership in trade unions and labor movements
Enhance gender equality in workplace governance and union structures
Build capacity in collective bargaining and negotiation skills
Promote feminist leadership in labor organizations
Improve understanding of international labor standards (ILO conventions)
Develop skills in conflict resolution and workplace mediation
Strengthen policy advocacy and labor rights campaigning
Enhance participation in social dialogue and tripartite systems
Build confidence in public speaking and union representation
Promote inclusive leadership and diversity in unions
Strengthen knowledge of labor law and workers’ rights protection
Develop digital skills for labor activism and online organizing
Support career growth in trade union leadership development programs

Target Audience

Women trade union members and activists
Union shop stewards and workplace representatives
Emerging women leaders in labor organizations
Labor rights advocates and NGO workers
Government labor relations officers
HR professionals engaged in employee relations
Youth leaders in trade unions
Community-based women empowerment groups

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Women Leadership in Trade Unions

History of women in trade union movements
Gender roles in labor organizations
Barriers to women leadership participation
Case Study: Women in South African COSATU leadership transformation
Nordic union gender parity models

Module 2: Gender Equality & Workplace Justice

Understanding gender mainstreaming in unions
Workplace discrimination and equality frameworks
Gender-based violence and harassment policies
Case Study: MeToo movement influence on labor unions
ILO Convention 190 implementation in workplaces

Module 3: Collective Bargaining & Negotiation Skills

Principles of collective bargaining agreements (CBA)
Negotiation tactics for women leaders
Building bargaining power in unions
Case Study: Nurses’ union wage negotiations in the UK
Garment workers’ union negotiations in Bangladesh

Module 4: Labor Law & International Standards

Key labor laws and employee rights
Understanding ILO conventions and recommendations
Legal frameworks for union operations
Kenyan labor law reforms and union impact
Case Study: European Works Council directives

Module 5: Leadership, Communication & Public Speaking

Confidence building for women leaders
Effective communication in union settings
Media engagement and storytelling
Case Study: Malala-inspired advocacy communication models
Union leaders in Latin America public campaigns

Module 6: Conflict Resolution & Industrial Relations

Managing workplace disputes
Mediation and arbitration techniques
Negotiating during strikes and disputes
Airline workers’ strike resolution strategies
Case Study: South African mining sector negotiations

Module 7: Policy Advocacy & Strategic Influence

Influencing labor policy and legislation
Coalition building and alliances
Lobbying techniques for unions
Case Study: US SEIU healthcare advocacy campaigns
EU gender pay gap policy reforms

Module 8: Digital Activism & Future of Work

Digital tools for union organizing
Social media advocacy strategies
Gig economy and platform worker rights
Case Study: Uber drivers’ unionization movements
Online labor campaigns in India

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

Interactive lectures and presentations.
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Expert-led Q&A sessions.
Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Leadership development gender equality advocacy skills organisational empowerment

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Nov 02 2026

02 Nov — 06 Nov 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000