BCNU supports women around the world in marking Friday, March 8th as International Women's Day (IWD)

Each year, International Women's Day (IWD) provides women and men the opportunity to consider the progress women have made and continue to make toward gender equality in Canada and around the world, and honour the contributions women are making towards this goal.

This year, the UN's theme for International Women's Day is "Equality for Women is Progress for All". Every year at this time, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and reflect on the challenges and barriers that remain. For instance, a staggering 50 per cent of women in Canada have at some time experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence.

Raising male awareness of the need for change is a key step in achieving equality. BCNU's Men in Nursing Caucus actively participates in planned events to promote this message. On February 14th, members wore their 'ending violence' T-shirts and attended a women's march. The caucus also participates in BC's Ending Violence Association (EVA). More information can be found at: http://www.endingviolence.org/our_partners.

Despite many significant gains in Canada, the wage gap between women and men today remains at staggering 30 per cent. On average, women working full-time still only make 70 cents for every dollar men are paid. The gap is even greater for women of colour (68 cents/dollar) and worst for Aboriginal women (46 cents/dollar).

Having union representation is by far the best way for women to achieve fairness in wages and working conditions. In 2006, unionized women earned an average 93 per cent of the wage of unionized men.

There are many events planned to celebrate International Women's Day 2014. To find out how you can take part in various activities across the province and in your community, go to: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/events.asp#.Uw0nwfldVik.