YUSAPUY proudly supports International Women’s Day on March 8 every year. It’s the global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for women’s empowerment and accelerating gender equity in income, politics, business, government and society as a whole. International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first celebration created by the socialist movement in 1910.
Status of Women Canada has commemorated this year’s theme to be #MyFeminism. Inspired by the role feminism continues to play in shaping Canada and countries around the world. Feminism is simply about equality – equality for women, men and people of all gender identities. Achieving gender equality means that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This year, we celebrate the feminist heroes who inspire others through their determination to make a difference, and who have helped pave the way towards equality and positive change.
In light of the rapidly growing #MeToo movement, which is helping to raise awareness about the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace, International Women’s Day will be more popular this year than ever before. Let’s change attitudes and behaviours, recognize that the gender stereotypes and subtle sexism we encounter every day are part of the problem, and challenge the sexism and discrimination that allow gender inequality to exist.
This celebration is especially important to YUSAPUY, since most of our members – and most of our executive board – are women. And beginning in 1975, YUSAPUY’s first president was a woman, Gabrielle Hardt. In fact, since in 2004, most unionized workers in Canada have been women. This is why YUSAPUY will continue to work on solutions to make our union more inclusive for women and other equity-seeking groups.
As an independent, democratic union, YUSAPUY is a member of the Confederation of Canadian Unions, which itself was founded in 1969 by Madeleine Parent, one of country’s greatest feminists, union organizers and social activists. Parent passed away in 2012, and a poster was commemorated by the CCU to remember her life and work (download below). You can also download the 2018 International Women’s Day poster as well.
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