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March 8 is an annual, internationally recognised day that acknowledges and honours the struggle of women in their fight for women’s rights, equality; it is also a celebration of women’s progress. In 1857 on March 8, women textile workers in New York City boldly stood up for their rights and demanded decent working conditions and a livable wage. For their collective courage these women faced brutal force but then later formed their own union. On an international scale the first International Women’s Day (IWD) however occurred in 1911 as a result of collective organising by women workers from over 17 countries who were pushing for women’s enfranchisement.
In recognition of these incidents, that are a culmination of historical struggles that women internationally have fought for equality, justice, rights and fairness, March 8 was designated as International Women’s Day. Many unions, including CUPE, participate in IWD events and continue to play a role in recognising the work of women and their demand for equality, justice, and good jobs.
In our current context, women continue to face discrimination and inequity in Canada and throughout the world, and recognising International Women’s Day provides and an important opportunity to reflect on the continued inequity of women and the need for all of us to work for social change. On this International Women’s Day, all CUPE members are encouraged to participate in their local community events.
IWD 2010 community events are occurring throughout the province in Hamilton, Kingston, Scarborough, Ottawa, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Waterloo, among many other locations. Information on these events is available at internationalwomensday.com (select events then Canada, followed by your city). For Toronto, visit iwdtoronto.org.
International Women’s Day in Toronto will be held Saturday, March 6, 2010 and members in the GTA are encouraged to join CUPE Ontario and members of the Migrante Women’s Coordinating Committee as we march with the Toronto rally.
Just before IWD join the CUPE Freedom Singers for a kick-off event, Celebrating Women’s Resistance. This will be a cultural celebration on Friday March 5 from 7-11pm at the United Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St. Toronto.
The Toronto IWD theme is:
Fighting for us ALL! Defend Public Services! Demand Good Jobs, Good Pensions! End Violence & Exploitation! And Still We March
Events in Toronto on Saturday March 6 go all day long and include a rally, march, fair and a demonstration:
- RALLY (indoors) – OISE Auditorium (252 Bloor St. W @ St. George Subway Station) at 11:00 a.m. 12:30pm
- MARCH – Join CUPE Ontario and the Migrant Women’s Coordinating contingent, bring your flag to the corner of St. George and Bedford Ave at 12:30pm
The march goes to the IWD Fair at Ryerson University - FAIR, includes workshops, live entertainment and over 50 vendors and community organizations – at Ryerson University, Student Centre (55 Gould St. at the corner of Church St.) from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30pm
- DEMO Join the Vale Inco striking workers at a protest rally to send a message to the Inco conference to stop this vicious attack on working families! These workers have been on strike for 8 months and are fighting huge rollbacks in pensions, nickel bonus and seniority rights. Get on the bus to the Metro Convention Centre on Front St to support these workers. Buses leave from the IWD Fair Ryerson Student Centre, 55 Gould St. at 2:15pm, after the march
Happy International Women’s Day
