Every year since the early 1900's, women around the world have celebrated International Women's Day on March 8. You too can join in a massive array of breakfasts, rallies, marches or teach-ins that are taking place from coast to coast to coast.

The new millennium has witnessed a significant shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Some from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women'.

The unfortunate reality is that after twenty-five years of progress, the gap between the average wages of Canadian men and women is now growing.  Women workers of colour, Aboriginal women and women with disabilities face even greater economic disadvantages.

Equality – Once and for all!

This year on International Women’s Day 2008 the Canadian Labour Congress is launching an exciting year long campaign - Equality - Once and For All! - to raise awareness about how women are being short changed.

The goal of the campaign is to create an ongoing dialogue about women’s economic equality between union women and their union sisters and brothers, their families, the public, media, and politicians at all levels of government.

Women in communities across Canada and Quebec are organizing events throughout the year. The focus will be on solutions to the economic equality gap, like belonging to a union, creating an accessible, affordable, public child care system, minimum wage reform, pay equity and improving Employment Insurance to name a few.

What you can do?

You can help organize for women’s equality by:

• Attending International Women’s Day events in your community,
• Talking to your co-workers, family and friends about women’s economic equality,
• Helping to organize a teach-in on women’s economic equality for your local, local women's committee or community – resources will soon be available on the CUPW website,
• Attending a teach-in or other event as part of the Equality – Once and for all! campaign in your community – check www.onceandforall.ca for more information.

Participate in International Women’s Day activities in your community. When you reach out to other women you can make things happen.