Human Rights Day: The Right to Work Matters

Human Rights Day reminds us that dignity, equality, and opportunity are fundamental rights, yet for many women in Northern Ireland, these rights remain out of reach.

Women are still the largest group experiencing economic inactivity: almost 30% of working-age women compared to just over 20% of men. Why? Because gendered roles and caring responsibilities continue to shape women’s lives. Lack of affordable childcare, entrenched stereotypes about “women’s work,” and systemic barriers keep women locked out of the labour market.

Our Building Futures programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, challenges these inequalities, supporting over 592 women, to date, to gain skills, confidence, and independence. But with funding ending in March 2026 and no clarity on what comes next, this vital lifeline is under threat.

The right to work, learn and earn is a human right. We must ensure women have the means to achieve it.

We call on decision-makers: safeguard this funding and uphold women’s right to equal participation.