The Provincial Women’s Committee celebrates 25 years
 

November 24, 2009

 The 25th annual celebration of the Provincial Women’s Committee was clearly a great success! From the decorations to a special performance by The Mach 4, the Bread and Roses theme for the opening of the Conference was obvious through the evening.  The quartet’s harmony rang through the hall with most of the delegates joining in.

Patty Rout, 1st Vice-President/Treasurer, received a warm welcome from the delegation. In her opening remarks she supported the importance of empowering women in these difficult times.

Our keynote speaker, Andrea Horwath, NDP Leader, identified the various obstacles to equity in our communities, and the failure of the government to respond with appropriate measures. She understands that many women are struggling with part-time work and low paying positions and that they are the hardest hit in our economy. She noted that the lack of benefits in such jobs make it even harder for these women to get ahead.

The anniversary portion of the evening brought some veterans of the women’s movement together with a look back at some of the issues of 1984. Sadly, many of the concerns raised at that time are generational and slow to change: equity, lack of affordable child care, and low unequal wages are among the same issues we still face today. Several former PWC members were present for the celebration of our history.

Dr. Mirza, International Programmer with Plan Canada; Sonia Singh, Organizer for the Workers Action Centre and Nadine Sookermany, Literacy Worker and Professor at George Brown College delivered a panel presentation on International, Labour and Community issues, capturing the experiences of women globally amid these difficult economic times. While sharing their experiences they also cited some sad statistics, highlighting the true predicament of women locally and globally.

The OPSEU Census “Count me In” team also attended the conference, and numerous surveys were completed. The delegation was encouraged to spread the word about the Census in their workplaces.

The afternoon workshops focused on the topics addressed by the panel discussions from earlier in the day: the international scene, the labour movement, contingent and part time workers and community struggles. Member delegates ended the conference with regional meetings, and developing action plans within their locals and communities.

A time capsule was prepared by the participants to be opened in 25 years. The capsule contains mementos, and photos showing those present in 2009. Hopefully, there will be a good measure of growth and advancement, 25 years from now, in 2034! A photographer and videographer were on-site to record this historical evening. Their photos and videos will provide a reference point for the recounting years of history and memories.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinary “DIVA” night events. Women at the conference enjoyed a variety of entertainment that included psychic readings, foot massages, chair massages, manicures, a breast care workshop, and a marketplace. Henna tattoo artists also offered their creativity to women and they even had time to visit the children in the day care. Some participants adorned themselves with the sparkles and glitter of a true Diva!

PWC members Lori Davis and Dora Robinson hosted a superb hospitality night. They even served up what every woman loves - chocolate fountain treats. What a night to remember!

The only regret was that more women weren’t able to attend! Unfortunately, only 134 participants could be accepted. The PWC is strategizing around changes for the future and hopes to be able to increase the number of attendees.

Thank you for contributing to a great weekend.

Cindy Haynes