We Support Gender Equality

Published on April 13, 2011 by Katrina Grdasic

The New Democrats as a party have attracted the highest amount of female candidates this election: 40% of all 308 candidates in total across the country. This is because we have attempted to make this party more accurately representative of Canadian demographic. Jack Layton personally stated that he will continue to work hard to increase that number to 50%. But not only do we support more women in politics, we also support other initiatives that promote gender equality. Unfortunately, the Liberals and Conservatives have shied away from these policies, and we plan to encourage them to cooperate on this issue with us.

Canada has made excellent steps to gender equality, such as equality in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, women’s services, as well as decriminalized abortion and birth control. However, on a worldwide scale, Canada ranks 20^th, behind many countries, considering the amount of resources we have. These countries we are behind include the US, Lesotho, Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Latvia, and Scandinavian countries. Only 22% of MPs in the House of Commons are women, while 52% of women account for the total population. In Canada, women only make 70% of what men earn in the workplace. Almost half of Canadian women over 65 are impoverished. Thirty-eight percent of families headed by single mothers fall below the “after tax low income cut off”. Females are more likely to be victims of sexual assault, harassment, stalking and homicide. Thus, we still have gender disparities despite the strength of this country.

Fairness in the Workplace: As mentioned previously, women only earn 70% of what men earn, and the NDP plans to make equal pay as law, enacted as legislation, also with a committee, the Pay Equity Task Force. Making Employment Insurance more accessible is also another desired step. We are also committed to keeping the minimum wage at a fair rate, since two-thirds of these earners are women over the age of 15, many of which are living below the poverty line. In addition, even though many women that are visible minorities and immigrants have strong skills and educational attainments, they earn much less than the average Canadian; thus new programs (language, job-training, etc) will be geared towards helping these women settle in to Canada successfully.

Work-Family Balance: Many women, especially those in the sandwich generation, have many unpaid responsibilities such as caring for children and elders, housework, etc. Some of these initiatives include a nationalized universal child care program, introduction parental leave benefits, ensuring home care for seniors, and flexibility at work for family and personal responsibilities.

Stopping Violence Against Women: Improving legal aid is important so women can not only achieve justice, but they are ensured fair legal representation. Aboriginal women are more likely to be victims of violence and go missing; programs will be implemented community level efforts. The NDP also plans to introduce legislation regarding hate crimes against transgender and transsexual women. In addition, since lots of women are trapped in abusive relationships, we will improve access to affordable housing. Gun control will also be stricter.

Increasing Participation in Public and Politics: Strategies include introducing a Status of Women Department, financing interest groups, implementing gender based analysis in policies, and making abortion a universal service.

Fairness for Marginalized Women: Women who are seniors, Aboriginal, poor and other visible minorities face the greatest inequalities on top of their status as women. Fighting these discriminations is crucial. Ensuring the representation of Aboriginal women will assist in this effort. We have also introduced a Seniors Charter of Canada which concentrates on the income security of women. Strengthening support for immigrants are important so they can participate productively in our economy. Also, proposing a Canadians with Disabilities Act will help promote participation women with disabilities in society. The issue of sex workers will also be illuminated, by introducing legal reforms.

Gender Equality Around the World: Not only are domestic issues a concern, but international gender equality must be recognized so Canada can strive to be a leader with this issue. Strategies include: improving aid, defending rights, withdrawal from Afghanistan, incorporating women in peace negotiations, and combating human trafficking.

Essentially, gender inequality is an issue we have the resources to tackle, and it is perplexing why an advanced and strong country such as Canada is not a leader on the global stage. It is clear that the New Democrats have made accomplishments in combating these disparities, and have detailed plans to raise more awareness about the issue. Farah Kalbouneh stands proud with the other 40% of female candidates with the New Democrat Party, and recognizes the importance of this issue.

Sources

http://www.ndp.ca/press/new-democrats-attract-historic-number-women-candidates

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/10/12/15660736.html

http://www.ndp.ca/fairnessforwomen

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-503-x/2005001/h-fs-eng.htm