BPW Canada has been recognized for its many projects over the years, from the Women’s Empowerment Principles to Equal Pay awareness campaigns and submission of Briefs to the Government including the need to declare Equal Pay Day nationally, the fight against human trafficking and being a voice for the Indigenous people.
Briefs result from Resolutions, developed mainly by local clubs, and passed at a National AGM/Convention that contain directives to urge the federal government and/or as appropriate specific ministries to take some sort of action. Opportunities to meet with the ministries affected by the resolutions enclosed in the brief are requested/granted. These meetings provide a further opportunity to strengthen our relationships with decision-makers and to reinforce how and why we feel our resolutions should be implemented.
Organizations such as the United Nations and other foreign governments from all over the world have acknowledged and applauded BPW’s efforts to improve conditions for all women. Our mission, vision, aims and principles guide us to our ultimate goal which is to improve conditions for all women.
BPW Bowmanville submitted a petition to the Government of Canada urging them to immediately enact legislation to abolish the practice of coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women.
The petition closed for signatures May 25, 2021. The minimum number of signatures required to be certified by the Clerk of Petitions was achieved. It will now be presented to the House of Commons and tabled for a response. Further updates will be posted as they are available.
This petition received signatures of support from across Canada including the Northwest Territories. Thank you to everyone who joined us in voicing our demand to the Government of Canada to abolish this practice.
The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative co-created by the Government of Canada, civil society and the private sector that aims to attain gender parity and significant representation (at least 30%) of under-represented groups on boards and senior management positions in order to build a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant economic future for Canadians.
The underrepresented groups include racialized persons, those who identify as LGBTQ2, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples’, and people living with disabilities – in addition to women. The challenge will allow a variety of organizations to participate across three separate program streams including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations, and those without Boards of Directors or senior management teams.
“The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table. The government has always believed in seeking the best available advice when making decisions.”
The 50 – 30 Challenge asks that organizations aspire to two goals:
~ Source
Join BPW Canada and Participate in the 50 – 30 Challenge
“Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge asks firms to make two aspirational commitments to increase diversity on Boards and in senior management over time, and report on their progress. Participating companies, organizations, and not-for-profits agree to voluntarily take action towards achieving meaningful and substantive improvements in supporting diversity and inclusion within their organization, as outlined in the Challenge. The Government is looking to partner with these organizations in their efforts, and is examining supports for participating organizations to help them achieve these goals.” ~ Source
Benefits of Participation include:
BPW Canada commends the federal government’s commitment to a national Early Learning & Child Care (ELCC) system. Improved access to quality and affordable child care will support women in their right to work, children in their right to benefit from early education in child care, as well as provide an overall benefit to our economy.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate impact on women in the workforce and loss of child care capacity has created utmost urgency around this critical issue.
BPW Canada Clubs: Have an Advocacy page on your club website, email BPW Canada to be added to the above list.
