UFCW Canada Local 1000A activists were among the 120 delegates who gathered at Barrie’s Kempenfelt Centre to participate in the first ever Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Women’s Leadership Summit. Held over three days, the summit drew women from a wide range of sectors, from retail to industrial to healthcare to education.
Packed with speakers, panels and knowledge circles, the event delved into several issues. These included the challenges and opportunities faced by women in leadership roles in the labour movement, building and supporting female leaders, the impact of the economic climate and union attacks on gender inequality, and generating union activism among female members.
Karen Tapscott, who works front end at Loblaws in Pickering, was part of Local 1000A’s delegation. “It was an amazing experience and I learned so much that I can take back to members,” said Tapscott.
Maria Cabral, who works at Maple Leaf Poultry, said the summit was very useful. “It was a great opportunity for women to come together and share their ideas and vision.”
April Inata, who works as a cashier at a Mississauga Great Food, echoed Tapscott and Cabral’s comments. “It was an excellent experience.”
