Advocacy

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.

Priority Issues: 2022 - 2024

Petition to the Government of Canada: End Coerced and Forced Sterilization of Indigenous 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.

Coerced and forced sterilization is in contravention of Canadian Human Rights legislation;
The widespread practice of coerced and forced sterilization of women has been occurring across Canada since the 1930s;
There is minimal awareness of this practice;
The United Nations Committee Against Torture officially recognized that sterilizing Indigenous women without consent is a form of torture, and called on Canada to take action.

Read February 2021 Press Release

POSITION STATEMENTS

Position Papers

National Early Learning and Child Care (March 2021)

The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage

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:

Gender parity (“50%”) on Canadian board(s) and senior management; and
Significant representation (“30%”) on Canadian board(s) and senior management of other under-represented groups, including racialized persons, people living with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities) and members of the LGBTQ2 community. The program and participants recognize that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as founding peoples of Canada are under-represented in positions of economic influence and leadership.”

~ 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:

Supportive resources, as well as connections with partners who specialize in the recruitment of diverse employees
Promotion, marketing, and official achievement recognitions

BPW Canada's Position Statement:

National Early Learning and Child Care in Canada

March 2021

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.

Advocacy Across Canada

Clubs across Canada work on advocacy issues. Some of the methods utilized are the development of resolutions, community workshops/seminars, community marches and protests etc.

Advocacy Across Canada

BPW Canada Clubs: Have an Advocacy page on your club website, email BPW Canada to be added to the above list.