International Day of Women in Industry

The International Day of Women in Industry (IDWI), observed each year on 21 April , celebrates the contributions of women to industrial development and promotes a more inclusive and equitable future for industry worldwide. The Day was proclaimed through a landmark resolution adopted by the UNIDO General Conference during the Global Industry Summit 2025 in Riyadh, reflecting a renewed global commitment to advancing women’s participation and leadership across industrial sectors. It also marks the date of entry into force of UNIDO’s first Gender Policy in 2009, highlighting the Organization’s long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality in industrial development.

Across many industrial sectors, women remain underrepresented, especially in higher-technology manufacturing, digital and green technologies, and leadership roles. Barriers such as unequal access to industrial skills, technology, finance, and professional networks continue to limit opportunities. Closing these gaps is not only a question of fairness - it is a strategic imperative. Industries and economies that fully harness the talent of their entire workforce are more productive, innovative and resilient. Ensuring that women can equally participate in – and lead – industrial transformation is essential to the achievement of sustainable development.

To mark the first International Day of Women in Industry , UNIDO will host a high-level event series at the Vienna International Centre on 21 April 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and development partners. The programme will spotlight women’s critical roles in driving industrial competitiveness, shaping green and digital transitions, and navigating the opportunities and risks presented by AI and the future of work. Programme Highlights: High Level Opening Session & Gender Equality Mobilization (GEM) Award Ceremony, 21 April, 10:30-12:00 CEST - watch on UNTV Panel Discussion “Metrics That Matter: Measuring and Steering Industrial Transformation through a Gender Lens”, 21 April, 14:00–15:30 CEST - watch on UNTV Celebrations Around the World The International Day of Women in Industry will be marked globally by the UNIDO field network together with governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and community partners. Activities include ...

  Women as leaders and innovators are central to economic success and sustainable industrialization. This publication tells the stories of women who are shaping industry every day - through their ideas, their work and their determination. They are entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators and leaders who are creating opportunities not only for themselves, but also for their communities. At the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), we are committed to ensuring that more women can follow these paths. Through skills development and vocational training, access to finance, technology and new markets, we support women in building businesses, driving innovation and contributing to economic growth. Across regions and sectors, the women featured in this publication are leading change - advancing resource efficiency, circular models and clean technologies that protect the environment while creating new economic opportunities. Their work shows that sustainability and competit...

  As industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by technological, socioeconomic, and demographic shifts, this moment offers a critical opportunity to advance gender equality and empower women in the industrial workforce. To ensure women have equal access to opportunities and can fully contribute to industrial development, policymakers and industry leaders must prioritize structural reforms. This means moving beyond token inclusion to fully recognizing women’s essential role in driving innovation and production in manufacturing, particularly in lowand middle-income countries, where industry has the potential to reduce poverty and foster sustainable economic development.  The 14 Key recommendations include:  1. Support women entrepreneurs in industry : Development programs should prioritize financial instruments such as grants, low-interest loans, and venture capital funding for womenled industrial startups. This should be combined with business development services, me...

  Since the onset of industrialization, women have played a vital yet often overlooked role in industry and manufacturing . Historically, they have been underrepresented in technical and managerial roles and have had limited access to technical education and training, which are essential for entering high-skill occupations. Despite their significant contributions, many women, especially in developing countries, continue to face exploitative conditions, including lower wages, long working hours, unsafe workplaces, and insufficient protection from hazardous chemicals. In 2024, only 55.1%  of women aged 15 to 64 years participated in the global labour force, compared to 79.4 per cent of men. Women were also less likely to be employed in industry (17%) compared to men (28 %), and more likely to work in agriculture (26 %) or the service sector (57 %). In the industry sector, women represented a substantial share of manufacturing employment , accounting for 41.1% in 2023. Yet, as Fi...

Approximately 41% of the industrial workforce are women. Yet, they are often relegated to low-wage jobs and sectors, lower-skill occupations, administrative jobs, and are underrepresented in technical and leadership positions. In developing countries, this inequality is particularly stark, as gender pay gaps and poor working conditions in industry clashes with the urgent need to empower women and attract skilled talent to emerging sectors. For sustainable industrial development—essential for economic and social progress— integrating women into higher-quality jobs is critical. This policy brief examines the gender-related differences in the manufacturing sector, highlights subsectors where women are particularly underrepresented, and identifies emerging employment opportunities that benefit both women and industry. It concludes with actionable recommendations for effectively integrating women into the industrial workforce .  Industrialization is a key driver of economic growth, ...

The event will explore the future of industrial development by highlighting women's essential contributions to industrial competitiveness and to green and digital transitions, including the implications of AI and the future of work. It will emphasize the need for gender‑responsive industrial statistics and showcase innovative practices that advance gender equality in rapidly evolving industrial ecosystems . Related Sites and Documents:  Gender equality, the empowerment of women and support to youth | UNIDO Watch the global Observance of the First International Day of Women in Industry (IDWI)! Agencies, Funds & Programmes