UFCW Canada Local 1000A activists and staff took to the streets of downtown Toronto on March 7 to participate in the city’s annual International Women’s Day rally and march.
Participants gathered to raise awareness on a variety of issues, including violence against women, affordable childcare, missing aboriginal women and the gender wage gap prevalent in non-union workplaces.
“The reality is that society still has a long way to go when it comes to addressing these issues,” said Diana O’Brien, Coordinator for Local 1000A’s Women’s Issues Network. “International Women’s Day is about empowering women and men to transform our communities and our province for the better.”
President Pearl Sawyer encouraged members to get more involved in WIN regional committees in their areas.
“This day is an opportunity to reflect on our challenges but also to take action to build a fairer and more just world,” said Sawyer. “Each and everyone of us has a role to play in mobilizing for change in our communities and the best way to start is through your union.”
The history of International Women’s day goes back to 1977 when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed a day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The UN notes that “it is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.”
“I participated in the march because I'm passionate about fighting for women's rights,” said Lisa Van Altena-Walsh, a Local 1000A activist. “I'm especially passionate about getting more affordable child care options. I'm concerned about being able to afford childcare. Having and raising children should not be a hardship for young families.”
Annie Sundar, a Local 1000A activist, participated in the event for the first time. “It’s a very powerful feeling to march with my sisters and know that together, we can help make a difference.”
Thank to you to everyone who participated in International Women’s Day for coming out and making your voices heard!
