March 8, 2008  International Women’s Day

Strong Women, Strong World

 
On International Women’s Day, women around the world celebrate the achievements of our sisters in every walk of life. We honour those who came before us and look to a future in which women’s social and economic equality will be a reality.  This year’s theme, “Strong Women, Strong World”, highlights the fact that when women are empowered, a brighter future is possible for everyone.

This year, March 8th marks the 100th anniversary of the 1908 demonstration by immigrant women garment workers in New York City. In 1908, over 15,000 women marched through downtown New York. They demanded higher pay, shorter work hours, women’s voting rights and the end to child labour. At a time when women's basic rights were barely recognized, this was a bold and courageous move.

In 1977, the United Nations declared March 8th as International Women’s Day. In countries around the world women gather to underscore the importance of decent living conditions, safe work, the right to form unions, education for our kids and peace.

Our work must continue. Consider these facts::

• In Ontario, unionized manufacturing jobs are disappearing at a frightening rate and are being replaced with part-time, contract and temporary work.  

• More than 345,000 Ontario children are living below the poverty line.

• 41% of poor children in Ontario live in families where at least one parent works full-time, all-year.

To address these realities, OPSEU members and anti-poverty activists are calling for change. They want increased social assistance, a $10.25 minimum wage and family supports like affordable housing and child care. These essential improvements allow families to achieve a decent living standard that reflect the actual cost of basic needs. In addition, the Ontario Employment Standards Act must be updated to reflect the increasing reality of contingent work. We must ensure that contract and temporary workers have the same protections as full-time workers.

Not long ago, the Liberals promised a poverty reduction strategy. Today it is needed more than ever. As women and men working in this province, OPSEU members call upon the Government of Ontario to take action.

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!