Across the globe and in Canada, women continue to face gender-based violence and barriers to decent work, resulting in lower incomes. They also continue to bear an unequally large share of unpaid caregiving responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these problems. For marginalized women, the impact of the pandemic has been even more disproportionate. Women who experience racism, homophobia, classism, ableism, transphobia and other forms of discrimination face particular challenges that must be addressed.

As we fight for women’s rights, we must recognize that all struggles for human rights and justice are interconnected. To achieve justice for all women, we must dismantle all forms of oppression faced by women.

This International Women’s Day, CUPE invites members to take action in the following ways:

Check out:

• CUPE’s Stop Workplace Sexual Violence guide and pamphlet to raise awareness, support survivors and challenge sexual violence.
• CUPE campaign resources on child care and health care.
• CUPE bargaining tools on harassment, domestic violence and other equity issues.
• CUPE’s violence prevention kit.
• CUPE’s fact sheets on Pronouns and Allies on Gender Diversity.
• Canadian Labour Congress #donewaiting women’s rights campaign.
• Campaign led by migrant workers at the Caregivers’ Action Centre.
• Global labour campaigns on gender-based violence at work and gender equality.
• The voice of women workers at the March 2021 session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Spread the word:

• Download and use CUPE’s International Women’s Day Facebook frame.
• Download and print CUPE’s International Women’s Day poster.