International Women’s Day is held every year on March 8. For some, International Women’s Day is a celebration; for others it is a day of protest.
This year, AUPE’s Women’s Committee is encouraging all members to challenge harmful gender biases and commit to creating a gender-equal world.
“International Women’s Day was born of the militant labour movement, and the issues they fought for 100 years ago are just as relevant today,” says Susan Slade, AUPE Vice-President and chair of the union’s Women’s Committee.
“Whether it is raising awareness about the gender wage gap or fighting back against government attacks on fields which typically employ women, we encourage all AUPE members to think about how they can help create a more equal world, both as union activists at home and at the workplace.”
The Women’s Committee is also proud to announce the winner of this year’s DOVE Award, Lea Schmidt.
Every year, the DOVE Award is given to a female AUPE member for their outstanding contributions to the betterment of women and all members of our union.
Lea is a member of Local 002 Chapter 002. She is a courageous, active leader at her worksite who has served the union in many ways, including AUPE’s Finance Standing committee, as treasurer for Local 002, and 8 years as treasurer for the Spruce Grove & Stony Plain Area Council.
Lea will be presented the DOVE Award at a formal ceremony on March 17.
“There are so many amazing women activists in AUPE, it is always hard to choose just one winner for the DOVE Award,” says Slade.
“But with the challenges we know are ahead of us, there has never been a better time for all of our AUPE sisters to come together, to join our fellow workers in solidarity, and to fight for our rights.”
