To mark International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD2026), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) rolled out a programme of events and communications focusing on women’s roles in media, their experiences of harassment and invisibility, and the critical but often undervalued work they perform across Europe. The Committee’s activities underscored a common message: women’s safety, dignity and recognition are essential pillars of a fair and democratic society.

Through its IWD2026 programme, the EESC delivered a clear and consistent message: women’s contributions – whether in newsrooms, care roles or civic spaces - must be visible, valued and protected.

Strengthening women’s voices and safety in media

The EESC Equality Group hosted a high‑level conference entitled Challenges for Women in Media – supporting and hindering factors, examining the obstacles faced by women journalists and creators, especially those navigating online spaces.

In her opening remarks, Christa Schweng, President of the Equality Group, stressed the significance of the issue: 'Women in media continue to face structural barriers, targeted harassment, and persistent stereotypes… Gender equality in media is not only a matter of fairness: it is a matter of democracy, safety, and societal integrity.'

Speakers highlighted the persistence of gender stereotypes and the impact of online harassment, including technology‑facilitated gender‑based violence. They described how digital platforms, while offering visibility, have also become major sources of intimidation, threats and exploitation for women.

Participants also stressed that despite representing over 40% of journalists worldwide, women remain significantly underrepresented in senior editorial roles, weakening their influence on public narratives and newsroom culture

EESC Vice‑President for Communication Marija Hanževački drew attention to the need for robust implementation of EU legal instruments: 'Regulation is needed so that women’s safety and agency in offline and online media can be ensured.'

Experts called for full and effective use of the European Media Freedom Act, the Digital Services Act and the Directive on combating violence against women, emphasising the need for strong national transposition and civil‑society oversight.

Belarusian independent journalist in exile Hanna Liubakova illustrated the risks faced by women in exile and under authoritarian regimes, pointing to travel restrictions, limited access to basic rights, and the psychological toll of state repression..

"When the authorities put me on the terrorist watch list, some people from Belarus started to ask me what I had done. It's painful to see how the regime influences people's minds," Ms Liubakova said. She underscored the transnational nature of this repression, which makes it difficult for journalists to travel safely without risking arrest in countries cooperating with the Belarusian regime.

A short wrap-up video of the conference can be found here.

Invisible Work, Visible Impact: Recognising essential contributions

During Civil Society Week, the EESC also hosted a discussion on the largely unrecognised work performed by women in Europe – from care and domestic work to essential services carried out by both EU and migrant women. This event entitled Invisible Work, Visible Impac" placed a spotlight on how unpaid and informal work sustains households, communities and economies, yet frequently remains unprotected and undervalued.

Opening the panel, EESC President Séamus Boland highlighted the systemic neglect of women’s labour: 'The absence of respect and the absence of dignity afforded to women – often migrant women – whose work is taken for granted, ignored and undervalued in our societies.'

The three key themes dominated the debate:

Unpaid care work, performed predominantly by women, is indispensable to European societies but often results in financial insecurity, isolation and reduced career opportunities.

Migrant women frequently work in undervalued sectors such as domestic work and long‑term care. Many arrive with formal qualifications that remain unrecognised, limiting their employment opportunities despite acute labour shortages in essential services.

Long‑term care systems depend heavily on both unpaid carers and migrant workers, yet policy frameworks still overlook their needs and protections.

Panellists called for better recognition of qualifications, fair pay, stronger labour protections, gender‑responsive migration policies and long‑term investment in care as essential social infrastructure.

EESC delegation at UNCSW70

The EESC marked International Women’s Day 2026 not only in Brussels but also on the global stage, sending a delegation to the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW70) in New York. The delegation contributed to discussions on the year’s priority theme – ensuring access to justice for all women and girls – and highlighted the Committee’s work on equality, civil society participation and women’s rights. The EESC also adopted a resolution on UNCSW70 in the run-up to the event. 

To accompany the EESC’s presence at UNCSW70, EESC Vice‑President for Budget Alena Mastantuono recorded a dedicated video message underlining the importance of strong institutions, inclusive justice systems and continued international cooperation in advancing gender equality. (lm)