On 8–9 October, the Women’s Conference of the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC) of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK) was represented by Žana Andrejevė, Director of the Vilnius Region of the Lithuanian Nurses Organization and a member of the LPSK Women’s Centre Council.
This year’s conference focused on “The Care Economy: From Declarations to Actions for Decent Work.” Discussions addressed the rights of care workers, organising and representation, international labour standards, and the role of trade unions in promoting decent work.
Participants discussed International Labour Organization standards, analytical tools and their application, shared national experiences, and reviewed the work of the PERC Women’s Committee for 2022–2026.
Together with representatives from other European countries, Ž. Andrejevė was elected to the new PERC Women’s Committee, which consists of 12 representatives from different European countries. The Committee has been elected for a four-year term.
An important part of the conference was defining the priorities for the new term. Working in groups, participants developed demands, identified the PERC Women’s Committee’s priorities for 2026–2030, and prepared an action plan. The Committee’s work programme and action plan were also presented and adopted. Participants discussed PERC’s priorities for 2027, preparations for the ITUC’s 7th Congress, and the PERC General Assembly.
Decent Work and Women’s Representation
During her candidacy for the PERC Women’s Committee, Žana Andrejevė emphasised the importance of equal pay for equal work and empowering women to participate in decision-making.
“We must strive for equal representation of women and men in decision-making, aiming for a 50/50 balance,” Ž. Andrejevė said in her candidate statement.
Her professional experience is closely connected with care work and its importance to society. She also participates in the Tripartite Council working group addressing employment issues affecting people aged 50 and over.
“Everyone deserves a dignified life, regardless of age. Workers’ rights must be protected, and there must be no place for age discrimination,” Ž. Andrejevė emphasised.
Ready to Take on New Challenges
Presenting her candidacy, the LPSK representative expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the work of the PERC Women’s Committee and her readiness to take on new experiences and challenges.
Ž. Andrejevė’s election to the PERC Women’s Committee gives LPSK an opportunity to contribute to shared European trade union objectives, strengthen the representation and protection of women’s rights, and safeguard workers’ rights.
We congratulate our colleague and wish her every success in representing Lithuanian workers and contributing to the implementation of the PERC Women’s Committee’s priorities for its new term.