October 1, 2018 - In Canada, October is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honour the achievements and contributions of women and girls today and throughout our history. Whether as activists, politicians or researchers, women and girls have always made a positive and lasting impact on our country, and continue to do so.
During Women’s History Month, USW Local 1944 celebrates the past and present generations of sisters active in the labour movement, who fought, or are still fighting, for equality at work through collective bargaining and leadership development. Whether we are defending women’s rights against discriminatory treatment or fighting against domestic abuse, our Local Union takes part daily in the fight towards gender equality.
#MakeAnImpact
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is #MakeAnImpact. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #MakeAnImpact and share photos, videos and inspiring stories on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Over the past months, women have united their voices and made an impact with movements such as MeToo, TimesUp, and through global Women’s Marches. These have put a spotlight on sexual harassment and violence, a daily reality for too many women that continues to hold all of us back.
Events dedicated to women in October
On October 4th, communities across Canada come together to honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. Show solidarity with families of stolen sisters by attending a vigil in your community. A list of “Sisters in Spirit” vigils can be found at: http://1944.fyi/KEAVuc.
On October 11th, we celebrate the “International Day of the Girl”, promoting equal treatment and opportunities for girls in areas such as law, health care, nutrition, freedom from violence and abuse. This year’s theme, ‘With Her: A Skilled Girl Force’, puts the focus on education and training for girls to attain skills for employability.
October 18th commemorates “Persons Day”, an early victory for gender equality activism with the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” in 1929.
Join the ‘Done Waiting’ Movement
The Canadian Labour Congress is organizing its “Done Waiting” campaign, that focuses on three issues: End wage discrimination, End sexual harassment and violence, and Fix the child care crisis. Support the movement and sign the petition at www.donewaiting.ca/sign_up.
Women of Steel
The Women of Steel program is an ever-growing segment of our Local Union that encourages women to be leaders within the local union. For more information about the Women of Steel program and how to get involved, please visit: www.usw.ca/act/activism/women-of-steel. You can also contact the Local 1944 Women of Steel committee at womenofsteel@usw1944.ca.
Later this month, the USW will be holding its International Women’s Conference in Toronto, Ontario. The Conference’s theme is “Women of Steel – A Call to Action”. This Conference will focus on skills enhancement, global solidarity and strengthening the labor movement, all of which contribute to our Local Union’s capacity to better serve our members, influence politics and legislation, and strengthen the labor movement as a whole.
Check out our promo catalogue to order your Women of Steel T-shirt at http://1944.fyi/Promo. T-shirts are union-made, 100% organic cotton, grey in colour, and available for $20 from S to 4XL sizes.
In Solidarity,
USW Local 1944
