International Trade Union Organizations and Women's Policy

In this article the authors try to show that the women's policies of three international trade secretariats (ITSs) have become, to a certain degree, institutionalized. In addition, the women's policies of these ITSs have been characterized by a transfer of values and resources from trade unions of industrialized countries to those of underdeveloped countries. They represent, therefore, a sort of international solidarity, which is pragmatic and mainly oriented towards members. Nevertheless, there are still many problems and shortcomings. Women are still underrepresented in the leading bodies and at congresses. Furthermore, the ITSs are not able to influence other institutions effectively or to enforce upon their members policies adopted at the international level.