Empowering Women in Retail with Future-Ready Skills

Across Europe, women are the backbone of the retail sector. They serve communities, build businesses, create jobs, and drive innovation. Whether running independent shops, leading customer-facing teams, or shaping the future of e-commerce, women play an essential role in the retail workforce and in Europe’s broader economic fabric.

Yet despite representing 62% of the retail workforce and accounting for one in five women entrepreneurs, many women across the sector still encounter persistent barriers: limited access to leadership roles, underrepresentation in decision-making, and unequal opportunities for upskilling in a rapidly changing digital and green economy.

This reality is what makes the conversation on women’s empowerment in retail not just timely—but urgent.

A Sector Powered by Women, Ready for Transformation

Retail is one of Europe’s most dynamic and people-centered sectors. But it is also undergoing profound transformation. Digitalisation, sustainability demands, new consumer expectations, and automation are reshaping jobs and skills at an unprecedented pace.

For women, this moment represents both a challenge and a unique opportunity:

• Digitalisation can open doors to better jobs, flexible work, and entrepreneurship—if women have access to training.
• Green transformation is creating new skill needs that women can lead, from sustainable supply chains to eco-conscious customer engagement.
• Leadership opportunities are growing as retailers rethink management roles and organisational structures.

Empowering women with the right skills means empowering the entire sector to innovate and grow.

This is precisely where the Skills4Retail project enters the picture.

Skills4Retail aims to help workers adapt and thrive by providing digital, green, and business competences tailored to the future of retail. Through a network of European partners, the project works to:

• Support workers entering or re-entering the workforce
• Strengthen the skills of those already employed
• Empower aspiring youth entrepreneurs
• Enhance career progression at all levels
• Create more inclusive and future-ready workplaces

Spotlight on the European Parliament: Voices That Inspire

Recently, Skills4Retail had the opportunity to participate in a high-level discussion at the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Marion Walsmann and organised by EuroCommerce, SME Europe, and the EPP Group.

In a room filled with women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, one message resonated powerfully:

“Women are leading, creating and shaping the future. Supporting women in retail is a strategic priority for Europe’s competitiveness.”
— MEP Marion Walsmann

The conversation highlighted both the challenges women face and the enormous potential they bring to the sector—especially when equipped with the skills to lead digital and green transitions.

A Shared Responsibility, A Shared Opportunity

Women are not just participating in retail—they are shaping its future. Now is the time to ensure they have the skills, support, and opportunities to lead the digital, sustainable, and entrepreneurial shifts ahead.

With initiatives like Skills4Retail and the collective efforts of policymakers, industry leaders, and educators, Europe can build a retail sector that is inclusive, innovative, and future-ready.

Together, we can empower women.
Together, we can strengthen retail.
Together, we can shape the future.