A Global Movement of Women Rising for Equality
Rising Together for Gender Justice
More than 300 women education unionists from 57 countries are gathering in Bahia, Brazil, for the fifth Education International World Women’s Conference. Bringing together educators, union leaders, and advocates from across the globe, the conference is set to become a powerful forum for advancing gender equality in education, education unions, and society.
As women make up the majority of the education workforce in many parts of the world, this flagship Education International event comes at a critical moment. Co-hosted by Education International member organizations in Brazil, CNTE, CONTEE, and PROIFES, the conference creates a global platform for women education unionists to connect, share knowledge, strengthen leadership, and develop strategies for meaningful change.
The conference theme, “Rising United for Gender Justice: Educating the World, Leading Change, Fighting for Democracy,” reflects the priorities and aspirations of women education unionists worldwide. It aims to provide an inclusive, safe, and inspiring environment for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, strategic planning, and collective action.
“We must harness our collective power to elevate women’s leadership and achieve gender equality across unions, education, and society. Rising united for gender justice is our call to action, our call to solidarity across borders, our global rally for gender equality,” said Marième Sakho Dansokho, Education International Vice President.
Education International President Mugwena Maluleke also emphasized that gender justice is a priority for the entire global education union movement:
“When women rise, unions grow stronger. When women lead, education advances. When women are empowered, democracy flourishes. When we rise united for gender justice, we change the world.”
Women Power Education, Women Power Unions
Women educate the world and form the backbone of the global education union movement. They represent the majority of educators and outnumber men in most education unions. Yet, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across educational institutions and their unions.
At the same time, education workers worldwide continue to face low salaries, difficult working conditions, excessive workloads, high levels of stress, and significant emotional demands. These challenges are contributing to the global teacher shortage and placing the right to quality education at risk.
The conference also takes place against a broader backdrop of growing challenges to gender equality and civil rights. As far-right and conservative forces gain influence in many parts of the world, decades of progress are increasingly under pressure. The need for strong collective leadership, solidarity, and action has never been more important.
From September 15 to 17, conference participants will explore a wide range of issues affecting the teaching profession and education workforce. Discussions will focus on strengthening women’s leadership in education and unions, improving working conditions, advancing gender equality, and building collective action for democracy and social justice.
The conference program will feature plenary sessions, breakout discussions, capacity-building activities, and informal networking opportunities. Together, these sessions will create space for participants to exchange experiences, build connections, develop new strategies, and strengthen the global movement for gender justice.
The fifth Education International World Women’s Conference is more than a gathering. It is a call for solidarity, leadership, and action. By rising together, women education unionists are helping shape a stronger education system, stronger unions, and a more equal and democratic future.