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Across the country, Unifor members delivered a $2,000 cheque to 72 women’s shelters in recognition of International Women’s Day. The individual cheques were part of a $150,000 donation that was made possible through the Unifor Social Justice Fund.
Although the Social Justice Fund has contributed to shelters in prior years, the total donation amount was increased to meet a growing need. Unifor’s Director of International and Human Rights Department, Mohamad Alsadi said, “The demand increased this year when 23 additional shelters contacted Unifor for support.”
The Social Justice Fund is established from a direct levy paid by Unifor members, negotiated during collective bargaining.
Donations were made in recognition the incredible work staff at local facilities do on behalf of women in their community. The needs of women living with domestic violence remain great, and yet government funding to support the needs of women remains inadequate.
“If we want to get serious about addressing women’s equality the government must take immediate action to both implement strategies to combat sexism, sexual harassment and violence, along with addressing economic conditions for women by closing the wage gap, including funding a universal child care system and restoring funding to feminist organizations,” Unifor Women’s Department Director Lisa Kelly said.
