Struggles for social justice take time and perseverance. That applies even to a struggle for the rights and dignity of half the world’s people. According to UN-Women, “As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, no nation has yet closed the legal gap between men and women.” (See more of this report at this link)
It’s a sobering thought. UCTE has made progress—developing and supporting more women in leadership roles and fighting at the forefront of the PSAC’s pay equity struggle. Still, being honest about how far we have to go is essential.
The Canadian trade union movement campaigns on issues including food insecurity, gender-based violence, and the gendered impact of the affordability crisis. There is a gender equity aspect to almost every major campaign of Canadian labour today.
If you’re looking to become more engaged in the fight for women’s rights and equity, your union is a good place to do it.
At our 2023 National Convention, UCTE members created the Christine Collins Memorial Scholarship “to promote women’s activities, rights and leadership within the union movement.” See the application form on our scholarships page.
The issues are tough, but we have achievements to celebrate and to build on. Currently, our UCTE National President, the PSAC National President, and the Canadian Labour Congress President are women. This should inspire more women members to step up and take charge of our own destiny as workers.
We can all take a moment on March 8 to reflect on the state of women’s rights in our own communities and around the world. If you choose to get involved, organizations in most cities hold a Women’s March or rally on or around March 8. The Toronto event, for example, is on Saturday the 7.
International Women’s Day organizations have produced many resources for learning about the history and challenges of the women’s movement. Let us reflect, celebrate, and act for a more just tomorrow.
