On March 11, almost 11,000 people braved cold weather to participate in the International Women’s Day Toronto march, the largest in North America. The SEP Women’s Committee, Sisters in Society, was an official sponsor of the event. This year’s theme was Stop the Hate, Unite the Fight, Build the Resistance, Unity is Power. Every year, SIS and Society members participate in IWD initiatives in various communities across Ontario.
International Women’s Day has been a union inspired and supported initiative for over 100 years. In 1912 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, thousands of textile workers from over 40 different nationalities struck against inhumane working and living conditions. Most of the workers and strike leaders were immigrant women. On the picket line, women carried banners demanding decent wages, working conditions and respect. Sadly, many of our picket signs still make these demands.
During the rally before the march started, a variety of women spoke about the pressing issues faced by women today such as violence against women, Islamophobia, Aboriginal rights and missing and murdered indigenous women, access to good jobs, and fairness in the workplace.
The Society has participated in the annual IWD Toronto march for several years now. “We need to continue to stand up for the rights of all women; to fight for better jobs, for pay equity, for affordable childcare, for access to leadership and much more.” – Tracy Miller, Chairperson Sisters in Society (SiS)
Interested in more information about Sisters in Society or becoming a SIS member? Contact Tracy Miller via email at [email protected].
