Greens Call for Collective Action for International Women’s Day
Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, taking the opportunity to acknowledge, appreciate and encourage the accomplishments of women around the globe.
On this day, we call for an end to discrimination, bias and stereotypes based on gender and urge governments to work towards the advancement of women in a world that is still much too far from gender equity.
According to the World Economic Forum’s “Global Gender Gap Report 2022”, it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap. As for Canada, we are ranked 43rd in the world for Economic Participation and Opportunity and 31st for Political Empowerment. In North America there was only one female head of state and one female head of government in the past 50 years.
” It is incredible, but since 2006, I have been the only woman leader in the House of Commons, ” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada. ” Other parties have had a number of interim leaders, but only Greens had an elected woman leader. The daily abuse on social media makes it increasingly difficult. “
For International Women’s Day in 2023, it is important to remember that seeking gender equity is not just about providing equal opportunities, but invites us instead to consider our differences as positive features.
Everyone has a different starting point and equality is not always fair. In order to foster a culture of belonging, it is important to move towards a society where everyone has a voice, where everyone can be heard. By inviting different opinions and perspectives to the table, we can accomplish so much more together. Gender equity is about being inclusive of everything individuals of all genders have to contribute.
“Gender equity is not about levelling the playing field,” said Alison Lam, Critic for Women, Youth and Gender, “The difference between equity and equality is that equity is about creating an inclusive community that leverages the assets of everyone. Women have so much to offer, and giving space, voice and opportunity to women can only create a better world for all. The goal is true inclusion and belonging.”
The Green Party of Canada seeks to uplift and provide stronger support for women, particularly in the areas of economic participation, as well as political representation, where more women are needed as role models.
Greens pledge to continue to raise visibility and provide a platform for all women in Canada, showcasing female talent from coast to coast to coast. In a show of solidarity, Greens are calling for collective engagement and action across the country to encourage real change and progress.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary