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March 8, 2009 International Women’s Day
Canada’s theme is Strong Leadership, Strong
Women, Strong World.
March 6, 2009
On International Women’s Day, as
we celebrate our achievements, we take time to honor those women who fought for
us to have the right to vote and for equal pay for work of equal value.
In the year 2009 women still
encounter barriers such as sexism, racism and classism.
And as we enter
into a deepening economic crisis in Canada, once again women have been left out.
The recently released federal budget did not provide any support to women who
are often more deeply affected by harsh economic times. The need for a universal
early childhood education and care program and the need to amend the Employment
Insurance eligibility requirements (six out of 10 unemployed women can’t access
benefits) have been ignored.
The government has also attacked pay equity. In a country where
women earn only 71 cents for every dollar a Canadian male earns, the government
has now eliminated the right of women who work in the federal government to file
complaints for pay equity with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of women in both Canada and
around the world, we must realize that these accomplishments have been achieved
through hard work and perseverance. We must not allow our government to move
women’s equality backwards.
On this International Women’s Day, join with your co-workers,
communities and families in activities to celebrate women’s achievements.
Continue reminding the world that there is so much more that needs to be done
for women to enjoy economic, political and social equality.
Cindy Haynes
Chair, Provincial Women’s
Committee |
