International Women’s Day- March 8, 2023
History
International Women’s Day. Also known as IWD for short, grew from the labour movements of our past.
In 1908 15,000 Women marched through New York City; demanding shorter workdays, better pay and the right to vote.
In 1909 the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day
In 1910 Clara Zetkin; communist activist and advocate for women’s rights suggest they make it an international Day. She brought this idea to 100 women from 17 countries at the International Conference of Working women in Copenhagen. They unanimously agreed and the first IWD was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
In 1975 IWD was made official when the United Nations started celebrating the day
International Women’s Day has now become a global Day to recognize and celebrate the achievements in social, cultural, political and economics by women and girls. A day of unity, celebration, reflection and advocacy and gender equality but more awareness is still needed.
Why Purple?
The colour purple is often the most common colour associated with IWD but according to the International Women’s Day webpage Purple, Green and white are the colours of IWD; these colours originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908
The Colour Purple signifies “justice and dignity”
The colour Green symbolizes “hope”
The colour White represents “purity”
Why we Need Awareness
Women around the world are still fighting for basic rights; In the past year alone Women in many countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine and even the USA have been fighting for their rights.
in Afghanistan women have been fighting for the right to education.
In Iran women’s lives are threated by the morality police. In September 2022 a woman was beaten and died for allegedly violating Iran’s Strict rules of Dress. This has led to many demonstrations calling for better rights for women and a change of the current political leadership- these have been viewed as riots by authorities.
In the Ukraine since the invasion of Russia in February 2022 the UN has reported that gender gaps in food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty and an increase in gender base violence have worsened.
In June 2022, the USA supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, a historic piece of legislation which protected women’s right to have abortions. Restricting women from the freedom to make medical decision about their own bodies.
Some positive outcomes in Women’s rights
In November 2022 the European parliament passed a law after a 10-year battle; to guarantee that there are more women representatives on the publicly traded companies board by 2026.
Parental leave laws were updated in Armenia and Colombia
Spain passed a law to support Menstrual Health Leave and extended access to abortions.
The international Olympic Committee reported the most gender balanced winter games in history- with Women making up 45% of the athletes at Beijing 2022.
WORDS FROM IAM SISTERS
We have so many amazing leaders involved in the IAM
Speaking with just a few of the Sisters we have in leadership roles. Thank you all for taking the time to answer these questions!
Kim Valliere- Grand Lodge Rep
- Where was your job (sector) and how did you get involved with the union? I started in an automotive manufacturing facility (AKA a factory). I was going onto a newly established shift, and they needed a union steward, I didn’t know what a steward did, but was assured I would get help along the way, so I said yes. I continued to say yes, more training for union roles, yes. Labour council training, yes. Political action training, yes. Training for Health and safety, yes. Training for different jobs within my workplace, yes.
- What motivated you to step up and become a leader in the union? I wouldn’t say I stepped up to be a leader, as I progressed in my different union roles, my leadership in the labour movement developed. I didn’t look at it as being a leader, it was just part of the role. (of course, I see now it was my personal leadership development)
- What are the positive impacts of having women in the union? Organizations need different perspectives; we are stronger when we factor in many voices and opinions. Women seeing other Women in leadership roles, makes it clear this is an organization where they belong and can be part of.
- How important is it to have a mentor to grow as a leader? Very important, having a person or group of people you can turn to. A space to discuss ideas and receive real constructive feedback builds confidence. Mentorship allows for you to explore what you think and why you think it, knowing someone will point out what you don’t see or know. A mentor can ensure you have the information you need, and if not, they can direct you as to where to get it.
- What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? From small acts like Having a conversation with a fellow member about the union, being a union steward, or holding high leadership roles in any part of an organization, you are a leader
If you don’t see someone doing what needs to be done, do it
If you don’t feel someone is there for you, be there for someone else.
If you see a void or gap in tasks being handled, do the work
And when someone asks you to do something that is unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone, prepare yourself the best you can, and do it anyway!
This has been, and continues to be an incredible journey for me, I am humbled, privileged and honoured to serve the members of our great union.
Mona Burke- District Lodge 78 Secretary Treasurer
- Where was your Job (sector) and how did you get involved with the union?Manufacturing, got involved through negotiations and then in a Steward role.
- What motivated you to step up and become a leader in the union? People not receiving proper treatment by management, help to give them a voice in the workplace.
- What are the positive impacts of having women in the union? Women understand Women and women issues whether it be in the workplace or home life
- How important is it to have a mentor to grow as a leader? Mentors are needed for guidance and understanding on both what to do and not what to do
- What advice would you give the next generation of female leaders? Stand your ground for what’s right and don’t allow anyone to tell you it can not be done, also to help Women understand the importance of being Independent “An Independent Woman is a force to be reckoned with and feared by others insecurities.’
Heather Kelly- Retired Grand Lodge Rep
- Where was your job (sector) and how did you get involved with the union? I worked at Fleet manufacturing an aerospace parts plant
- What motivated you to step up and become a leader in the union? I got involved with the Union as I had grown up with my mother who was involved, and I thought that was just the way it was. Of course, there were some injustices around equity in our workplace that I thought I could make a difference. 3.What are the positive impacts of having women in the union? Women in the union are a guide for everyone to help show that we can be formidable defenders and advocates for equity.
- How important is it to have a mentor to grow as a leader? Having other union leaders as mentors are essential to helping guide us into multiple positions.
- What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? My advice to the next generation is not to wait until you think you know everything learn as you go, take any position available try different ones and always remember to lend a helping hand to others wanting to learn.