The fourth week of September is Gender Equality Week in Canada, a time to celebrate women’s contributions to society and to advance gender equality across the labour movement, in our workplaces and across our communities.

Over two-thirds of CEIU members identify as women, making gender representation and equity especially crucial within our union.

CEIU has two National Vice-Presidents for Women’s Priorities – one representing eastern Canada and another representing western Canada. There is still much to be done to ensure that women’s voices are heard within all levels of our union and our workplaces. We see firsthand the challenges women face in the workplace, whether it’s battling wage gaps, dealing with gender-based violence or struggling for representation in leadership roles.

Locals Encouraged to Have Women Representatives

We encourage CEIU locals across the country to consider including a representative for Status of Women or Women’s Priorities on their executive, and in their by-laws and regulations.

Locals can help recruit candidates by reaching out to women members and encouraging participation and involvement in the union. Locals are also encouraged to recruit and mentor women from a variety of backgrounds to foster diversity and promote an intersectional approach.

Our union has a proud history of advocating for women’s rights, but we cannot become complacent. We must continue to push for policies that protect and uplift all women, especially those from marginalized communities who face intersecting barriers due to race, ethnicity, disability, and more. Intersectionality must be at the heart of our efforts if we are to achieve true equity.

By implementing women’s officer positions, CEIU locals can ensure their members’ voices are being heard and represented fairly in bargaining and representation processes. This measure will also help women develop trust and confidence in their union.

Additional resources are available for locals and members including:

• Gender Inclusive Language Toolkit
• Gender Equity Taskforce Report
• Intersectional Gender-based Analysis Toolkit

This Gender Equality Week, let’s recommit ourselves to the principles of gender equity. Let’s engage in conversations about how we can further support women in our union and workplaces. Let’s advocate for stronger protections and more inclusive policies. And let’s celebrate the powerful role women play in making our union—and our society—a better place for everyone.

Remember, gender equity is not a women’s issue; it’s a human issue. It’s about creating a fair and just world where everyone can thrive. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

Let’s advance equality in the labour movement. We have the power to affect change: our union locals are a great place to start. Find your union local here.