UFCW Canada Local 1000A flags flew high in downtown Toronto on Saturday, March 9, 2013 as activists and members gathered to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
After attending a rally at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), the group joined thousands in marching from Bloor and St. George St. to Ryerson University.
“On behalf of Local 1000A, I want to thank our members and activists for coming out to celebrate International Women’s Day,” said President Pearl Sawyer. “I was proud to walk side by side with my fellow sisters and brothers in support of a just, safe and equitable society.”
The event’s theme was “Fires Burning, We are Rising.” Organizers sought to not only celebrate the achievements of women but also highlight issues where progress needs to be made.
These issues/calls-to-action included:
- Eliminating Inequality: Women only make $0.72 for every dollar a man makes. At the event and on social media, IWD participants urged the need for equal pay through the hashtag: #equalpayday.
- Rallying for Economic Justice: Austerity policies are hurting women around the world and participants advocated the need to end economic injustice.
- Affordable Childcare: In a changing world, policies and practices from a time when males used to be the primary breadwinners do not work anymore. In Canada, women make up the majority of the workforce today. A majority of households are also dual-income. In light of the changes, participants again voiced their support for affordable and high-quality childcare.
- Ending Violence Against Women: Speakers also stated that all women have a right to feel safe in their homes, workplaces and communities.
- Defending Our Reproductive rights: Speakers spoke about the need to push back against the anti-choice lobbyists’ attacks on women’s reproductive rights.
Diana O’Brien, a Local 1000A steward from a Milton Real Canadian Superstore, attended the rally and march with her husband. “What affects women affects everyone,” said O’Brien, who helped coordinate Local 1000A’s participation. "It was an incredible experience to celebrate International Women's Day with our sisters and brothers from different workplaces and sectors in our union."
Diane Wilmot, a steward from Stephen’s No Frills in Toronto, was also among the participants. “We are here today for the rights of every single woman,” Wilmot said. “This is about standing up for equality and speaking out against the abuse and violence that affects women across Canada and the world on a daily basis.”
