05) NEEDED: A UNITED VOICE FOR WOMEN

People’s Voice Editorial

            On International Women’s Day, the Globe and Mail published an article on the topic of “leading women’s groups seek co-ordinated advocacy,” and the lack of a strong, united voice for equality-seeking women’s groups.

            While the piece noted the important role of indigenous women, it neglected to mention that in one nation within the Canadian state, women do have such a voice - the Fédération des femmes du Québec, which has led many equality struggles. But in English-speaking Canada, the demise of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) fifteen years ago left a critical vacuum at a time of austerity, imperialist wars, sexism, racism, Islamophobia, homophobia and transphobia. Despite funding cuts, many grassroots groups courageously work to defend pay equity and access to reproductive services, to stop violence against women, and to raise other equality issues. However, progress towards full equality will require stronger unity of women at all levels.

            Some hope that the new Liberal government will reverse the misogynist policies of the defeated Tory government. The inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women, and gender equity in the federal cabinet, are both genuine victories. At the same time, by signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Liberals signalled their intention to stay the neoliberal austerity course dictated by transnational corporations, the most powerful anti-equality force on the planet. Relying on the Liberals is the wrong strategy.

            The Globe piece listed key women’s organizations which could help bring together a new pan-Canadian coalition. But it left out the trade union movements which represent millions of women. Labour plays a major role in defending fundamental economic and social equality rights, and to demand (for example) a universal, affordable, public, child care system. We urge labour and all other equality-seeking groups to put the issue of building a women’s coalition to mobilize for these demands at the top of their agenda.

The above article is from the March 16-31, 2016, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)