Hosted by the Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, the event Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment: Recognising Mid-Life and Older Women highlighted the critical role of mid-life and older women in the workforce and the systemic barriers they face. Christina McAnea, General Secretary of UNISON and speaking on behalf of Public Services International (PSI), brought a powerful voice to the discussions, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and stronger public services.

“PSI is very much focused on trying to ensure that public services are seen as something that enhances society and are human rights,” McAnea stated, setting the tone for the event. She underscored the importance of public services in creating a fairer society and addressing inequalities faced by women, particularly as they age.

One key focus was the need to support women experiencing menopause in the workplace. McAnea reflected on the progress made in this area: “We tried to negotiate menopause rights five years ago, and it was difficult to get buy-in. But now we can sit down with employers who are happy to engage with us. They now see the value these rights have when they’re in place.” She highlighted how menopause policies, flexible working, and safe working conditions not only support women but also help businesses retain skilled staff during staffing crises.

McAnea also addressed the economic precarity faced by older women, who are more likely to work part-time, earn less than men, or be in low-paid jobs. “We know that older women are more likely to be in jobs perceived as ‘women’s work,’ which are lower paid,” she noted, calling for systemic change to address gender and age-based pay gaps.

The event served as a rallying cry to recognize the contributions of mid-life and older women and to dismantle the barriers they face. McAnea’s insights and advocacy highlighted the urgent need for policies that support women at every stage of their lives, ensuring they can thrive both economically and socially.