Women's Issues
Political Action
In the 2006 federal election, women turned out in historic numbers, and helped elect and re-elect politicians who support issues important to women, our unions and our allies. The Federation's "Count Me In" campaign was a huge success in engaging women in political action.
Women understand the reasons for getting involved in political action, even if that just means getting out to vote. Unfortunately, both the Campbell and Harper governments are giving us plenty of reasons. Women understand the relationship between right-wing governments and poverty, lack of opportunity and increased violence in our society and at home. We can and must do more to reach those women disenfranchised by our political systems, and build a strong network of women between elections. To get active in our political action work click here.
Economic Inequality
In British Columbia, we are told we have a "booming economy", with unemployment levels lower than they've been in decades. Housing starts and real estate prices are going through the roof with no immediate signs of slowing down. The government's coffers are overflowing, with revenues from the oil and gas sectors performing far better than the "official" projections.
So with all this good news, why is it that so many more women and children have fallen through the cracks? Why are more women and families depending on food banks than ever before? Why can't women find safe, affordable and high-quality childcare? Why do women still comprise the majority of minimum-wage earners in BC? British Columbia is experiencing tremendous economic growth. So why is it that we can't find ways to help the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in our province?
These are the questions we asked in our Conference Briefing Report of May 2006, entitled The Economic Inequality of Women in BC - Recommendations for Action.
Massive reductions and reduced eligibility for welfare have created hardship among our most disadvantaged citizens. One-third of BC welfare recipients are single-parent families, 88% headed by women. To learn more about economic issues click here.
Minimum Wage
Women make up 64% of minimum wage earners, yet the BC government - boasting their highest surpluses ever - refuses to wage the minimum wage to improve the economic situation of the working poor. Through our Minimum Wage Campaign, we are building support throughout the province to increase the minimum wage from $8 an hour to $10. To learn more about our campaign to raise the minimum wage to $10 click here.
Childcare
BC's working families need a real childcare plan that creates affordable quality spaces. That's why the B.C. Fed has joined with childcare advocates and the CodeBlue Coalition to ensure publicly funded, quality childcare is on both the national and provincial agenda.
For additional information on current childcare issues and campaigns, contact the Federation office or any of the childcare links shown here.
Pay Equity
Pay equity is the right to equal pay for work of equal value. A woman has the right to be paid just as much as a man for work that requires a similar level of skill, effort and responsibility and is performed in similar working conditions. To learn more click here.
Violence Against Women
Violence, particularly spousal violence and sexual assault, remains common. To learn more click here.
Silencing Women's Voices
Both the federal and provincial governments have made it their mission to silence women's voices. The Campbell Liberal government has tried to silence those who speak out for women who have no other voice, by eliminating funding for BC women's centres and eliminating grants for advocacy.
And the Harper government has cut funding to the federal Status of Women Canada, eliminating funding and denying us the right to advocate on behalf of Canadian women.
We continue to work with our community partners through the BC Coalition of Women's Centres provincially, and the Canadian Labour Congress and national women's groups federally, such as the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA). Links directly to these groups can be found on the Women's Links page.
