EXCERPTS
Earlier this year, when Prime Minister Trudeau appointed an equal number of women and men to federal cabinet, he sent a strong message. For the first time, gender parity was achieved at a federal level in Canada, giving young women leaders strong female role models in government. Trudeau proudly presented "a cabinet that looks like Canada."
A federal cabinet that looks like Canada is a huge step in the right direction, but here at home in Hamilton, we don't see the same parity. Our own city council has only four women and women's voices are the minority at most decision-making tables.
As 2015 drew to a close, we looked back at the year. We also look toward the near future. In 2016, we're asking municipal, provincial, and federal leaders to make meaningful commitments to gender equality. We're asking engaged citizens to recognize and support local organizations that advocate for women. By creating opportunities for women, girls, and their families, we build a stronger community.
Here is what is on our 2016 wish list.
We want Hamilton to invest in women.
Women's organizations are underfunded, meaning they're forced to create positive change with meagre resources. Women's organizations play a fundamental role here in Hamilton, recognizing the issues facing women in our own community, among them poverty, homelessness, and domestic violence. By championing organizations that support women, we help not only women, but their entire families.
We want to recognize and celebrate women leaders.
In 2016, YWCA Hamilton celebrates 40 years of recognizing the leadership of women in our own community through the Women of Distinction Awards. Women of Distinction Awards are presented to recognize women who contribute to the development and well-being of other women and to the overall improvement of the community. When we recognize and celebrate women in leadership, we encourage a dialogue, normalizing the idea of strong women in powerful positions. We tell young women and girls that their aspirations are not only valuable, but also achievable.
We want to see action taken toward ending violence against women.
Earlier this month, Canada's government launched the long-awaited national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. In 2016, we want to hold the government accountable as it attempts to renew the country's relationship with aboriginal Canadians. Here in Hamilton, we need to think about what we can do to repair this relationship on a local level. We also want a Hamilton that provides support for all survivors of domestic violence and that challenges the sexism that perpetuates violence.
We want to take action to end women's economic inequality.
At YWCA Hamilton, we are committed to helping lift women out of poverty through our Transitional Living Program and employment programs. But in order to create real change in Hamilton, we need a network committed to addressing economic inequality and income gaps and the factors that drive women toward homelessness, among them a lack of affordable housing and a need for a national child care strategy.
We want a national child care strategy.
According to a study released in December 2015, "They Go Up So Fast," which looks at the most and least expensive cities for child care in Canada, the cost of preschool child care in Hamilton is a staggering $852 a month. The high cost of child care prevents families from escaping poverty. Women need a child care strategy that allows them to participate equally in the labour force to help build a strong economic future for their children.
We want investment in women's health.
Women face unique and specific challenges when it comes to health and wellness, experiencing illness differently and requiring different approaches to care. We envision a Hamilton where all women have access to health care services, as well as the education they need to be proactive in their own care both mentally and physically.
In 2016, we want to see a Hamilton that steps up for women. We want women and girls to have access to the resources they need to build skills and reach their full potential. We want to shine the spotlight on the issues that affect women, like domestic violence, child care, and poverty, to remind community members that we can't look away.
Imagine the difference we could all make in the lives of women and girls if we worked together in 2016.
-reprinted from The Hamilton Spectator