(Ottawa, Ontario) March 6, 2015 – Celebrated each year on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) provides an opportunity to acknowledge the successes of women and the advancements made in gender equality across the world. However, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) will mark this IWD in reflection of the many social, political, and economic barriers that still exist for women worldwide, as well as in Canada.
“Women’s issues aren’t just an international concern” states CASW President Morel Caissie. “In Canada, economic inequality continues to grow, and women are paid less than men for equal work. Furthermore, violence against women remains a huge issue for Canadians.”
Referring to the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (March 1, 2015) that, while creating dialogue and outlining next steps, fell short of implementing a national action plan, Caissie said “it’s not enough to talk about the problem. The federal government needs to act in a comprehensive way to stop atrocities against indigenous women and girls.”
Human rights groups and indigenous organizations have repeatedly called for a national action plan to examine the causes of violence and develop solutions. “Canada needs a coordinated national inquiry that exposes the roots of violence toward indigenous women and girls, and takes concrete steps to eliminate it,” added Caissie.
From sexual harassment to violence, income inequality to the lack of affordable child care, Canadian women deserve better. “Social workers witness the impact these issues have on women’s lives every day. The right policies have been proposed, and Canadians want change. Political action is all that’s needed to improve the lives of women and girls in Canada and worldwide.”
On this IWD, CASW calls on the Government of Canada to put women first. Show your support by signing the Up for Debate petition, or learn more at http://upfordebate.ca/.
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For more information:
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW
casw@casw-acts.ca
Tel.: 613.729.6668
