In 1993, the largest UK union, UNISON, created an innovative framework for empowering women. This is the first in-depth study of UNISON's claims to put women at the heart of the union.Detailed interviews with activists and case studies of decision-making bodies show how different membership groups exploit equal opportunities strategies to facilitate or impede women.These case studies expose the conundrum of understanding women as a differentiated but distinct membership group. They illustrate why women activists need to be understood in their diverse and multiple roles of being low-paid workers, black women, lesbians and members of political parties but also demonstrate that women are most empowered when treated as an oppressed social group.The theoretical issues and practical realities addressed in this multi-faceted study are of relevance to all academics and activists involved in the study and practice of trade unions and equal opportunities.