NDP Statement on International Women’s Day

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women, girls, and non-binary people and to reflect on what we can do better to build a more equitable, safe and just society.

At a time when we face multiple challenges — growing humanitarian crises, the climate emergency, the rising cost of living and the aftermath of a global pandemic — we must act more urgently to make sure women, women living with disabilities, girls and non-binary people aren’t left behind.

The growing cost of living has a serious impact on women and the pandemic made a challenging situation worse for those trying to make ends meet. Two thirds of job losses were jobs held by women and many are still trying to find a way back into the workforce. This is especially difficult for women who are predominantly the primary care givers in their families.

The cost of food and gas are soaring while wages remain the same, and inequitable for women in the work force. Many women and their families were already struggling to find an affordable place to live and this is becoming more difficult as prices continue to skyrocket. The Liberals expect women to continue taking care of themselves and their families with the same amount of money while everyday necessities get more expensive, driving more women into impossible situations.

Women across the country still live with the threat of violence. After six years of the Trudeau government, Indigenous women, girls and two spirited people continue to experience violence and the Liberals failed to implement the 31 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The government must end the delay and implement all Calls for Justice.

And, during the pandemic, there has been a dangerous rise in violence against women, women living with disabilities, trans and non-binary people, including intimate partner violence. Women’s organizations across the country have called on the Liberals for more funding to provide more access to low barrier shelters that include wrap around supports for those who have experienced violence. New Democrats echo their calls for those who urgently need these supports in urban centres and remote communities.
Over the past months, we have seen how far-right organizations and white supremacy endanger our communities, particularly racialized women in Canada. In the last few years, there has been an increase in hate crimes targeting women of colour. We will continue to work towards dismantling Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Black racism and all form of racism and discrimination to make our communities safer.
The government has a lot of work to do to deliver the support Canadian women and non-binary people deserve. New Democrats will keep fighting to help them make ends meet with homes they can afford, childcare services and equal pay. We'll continue to advocate for better health care supports and services like abortion access across the country, and recommit to ending gender-based violence."