08-03-2025
Union members don hats in Leeds to celebrate International Women's Day
Women members of Unite the union donned "a variety of hats" in Leeds yesterday (Friday, March 7) to symbolise the many jobs that women do and in celebration of International Women's Day (Saturday, March 8).
A spokesperson said: "In 2025 women still do more of the cooking, more of the cleaning, more of the childcare, more of the caring - on top of working in an incredible variety of jobs.
"Despite the extra barriers, women have broken through into many jobs which used to be considered 'jobs for men' – Unite women are lorry drivers, joiners, factory workers, educators, administrators, designers, engineers, plumbers, hospitality workers, bus drivers – and so much more."
The event took place at Unite's Leeds office, at 55 Call Lane in the city.
Speakers at the event included Janet Newsham from Hazards, Rachel Ellis from Thompsons Solicitors, and guest speaker Randie Pearson, from United Steelworkers USA (International Women of Steel).
Unite members were to bring a hat that either represents the job they do, or an extra task they do outside work.
Hats could include a hard hat, a chef's hat, or a catering hairnet, for example.
