The World March of Women 2010

Pictured at the World March of Women in Rimouski, QC, from left to right are Anouk Collet, National Office; Louise Lefebvre, Local 503; Sylvie Blouin, Local 503; Émilie Thibeault, Local 503; and Gisèle Auger, Local 500.

In 1995, the Quebec Women’s Federation organized the March for Bread and Roses in Montreal to protest against the poverty that afflicts millions of women and small children around the world. 

The 1995 march drew over 15,000 demonstrators, including many UFCW Canada members, and raised so much awareness for women’s issues that the federation resolved to call on individuals and organizations across the globe to participate in a World March of Women every five years.

On October 17, over 10,000 people came out in force to Rimouski, QC, to participate in the Third World March of Women. UFCW Canada proudly joined the Quebec Federation of Labour and other civil society organizations to be part of what has become a very strong statement for women’s rights and social and economic justice.

In keeping with the event’s spirit and commitment to building international solidarity, over 1,000 women from 42 different countries assembled in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, at the same time as the Quebec march to officially close the Third International Action of the World March of Women.

“Together, we create a very strong voice that governments here in Canada and around the world can’t ignore,” says Anouk Collet, UFCW Canada national representative and member of the National Women’s Advisory Committee. “And we need to be loud because the Harper government’s backward approach to fundamental issues likes a woman’s right to choose, pay equity, and access to affordable child care tell us that the struggle for women’s equality is far from over.”

Vol. X No. 43 • November 1, 2010