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March 1, 2008
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March 8th is International Women's Day - “Equality! Once and For All”
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March 8, 2008 marks a celebration of economic, social, cultural
and political achievements of women around the world -
International Women's Day (IWD). Around the world and in
Canada, IWD marks a celebration of economic, social, cultural
and political achievements for women. Established in 1977 by
the United Nations, this special day provides an opportunity to
celebrate the progress made to advance equality for women and
to assess the challenges that remain.
In Canada it is a day where we will join with women across the
country in opposition to the anti-equality polices of the federal
Conservative government. IWD will be a day when women will be
mobilizing across Canada to make sure women’s voices are
heard.
On International Women’s Day, the Canadian Labour Congress
(CLC) will launch a year-long campaign, “Equality! Once and
For All!”, which is aimed at improving women’s economic
equality.
The campaign will involve a series of teach-ins in communities
across the country and other creative tactics to address the
growing economic gap between men and women. After 25 years
of steady progress, the gap between the average wages of men
and women has stopped narrowing and is actually growing
wider. For women workers of colour, Aboriginal women and
women with disabilities, the disparity is much greater.
As part of the campaign, the CLC has developed a series of
information leaflets on solutions such as pay equity, minimum
wage reform, creating accessible, affordable child care,
Employment Insurance reform, improvements to public
pensions, closing the (especially large) wage gap for young
women and protecting manufacturing jobs for women.
Together we can make sure women’s voices are heard.
Together we can ensure: Equality! Once and For All!
In conjunction with IWD celebrations the CAW donates annually
to Women’s Shelters across Canada.
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Related: March 2 to March 8 is International Women's Week
International Women’s Day: Top 10 reasons why PM Stephen Harper is Turning Back the Clock on Women's Equality
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CAW Women’s Survey examines workplace obstacles
Heavy workloads, discrimination and a precarious work life balance are considered top
workplace stressors for women, according to the recent CAW Health and Safety Training
Fund’s Women’s Health and Safety survey.
More than 330 women completed the bilingual survey, both online and at the annual
Women's Conference held in Port Elgin, Ontario at the CAW's Family Education Centre. Most
responses came from women working in manufacturing, health care, aerospace, technical,
office and professional fields.
Key issues for respondents were: workload, pace and repetitive work; poor management
and lack of respect; job security; workplace violence; sexual harassment and burnout.
Respondents also indicated they require more information on specific health and safety
legislation around Duty to Accommodate, Return to Work and Worker’s Compensation.
Survey results will be used to guide the further development of the CAW Women’s Health
and Safety in the Workplace program, organized through the Health and Safety Training Fund.
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