Call for donations: PSAC B.C. Regional Women’s Conference

To: Locals and Branches in B.C.

Re: PSAC B.C. Regional Women’s Conference “Empowered Women Empower Women”

Friends,

Please accept this request for a donation to the upcoming PSAC B.C. Regional Women’s Conference under the theme “Empowered Women Empower Women” which will be held September 13-15, 2019.

We would be grateful if your local/branch/DCL could make a donation to help us raise funds for the B.C. Society of Transition Houses, a provincial organization.

Do you know the Facts?

• Gender-Based Violence: Canadian women and girls live with a heightened risk of violence – often at the hands of someone they know.
  • 80% of Canadians believe the next generation of women is just as more likely to experience sexual assault.
  • 300 women and children are turned away from shelters on any given night in Canada because they are full.
• Sexual Assault and Harassment: Sexual assault and harassment continue to be under-reported and misunderstood.
  • 82% of those under 18 who experience sexual assault are girls.
  • The Government of Canada estimates the economic costs of sexual assaults and other sexual offences against women to be $3.6 billion annually.
• Women and Poverty: Women face specific barriers when it comes to moving themselves out of poverty and into a sustainable livelihood.
  • A 2018 Angus Reid study suggest that 16% of Canadians could be categorized as “struggling” economically. 60% of those in the “struggling” category are women, while 40% are men.
  • More than 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness annually, costing the economy $7 billion. On a given night, more than 35,000 Canadians are homeless.
• Gender Wage Gap: The gender wage gap diminishes Canadian women’s earning power, contributing to economic inequality.
  • 75 cents on average is earned by full-time working women in Canada for every dollar men make. The gap is wider for women who are Indigenous, living with a disability, racialized or newcomers.
  • 15.5 months is how long it takes women to earn what a man earns in 12, on average.
• Barriers Girls Face: Girls grow up on the shadow of limiting gender stereotypes, sexualized media messages, and at risk of sexual assault.
  • 4X – Girls are four times as likely as boys to be sexually assaulted by a family member.
  • 15X – Girls are 15 times more likely than boys to be hospitalized for eating disorders.
• Inclusive Leadership: We need women in leadership roles to achieve gender equality, yet there remains a stark imbalance in professional and political roles.
  • Women comprise 19.5% of the board members for Canada’s top 500 companies.
  • Just 8.5% of the highest-paid positions in Canada’s top 100 listed companies are held by women.

For further information about these facts and more, please visit www.canadianwomen.org.

Your donation will help the B.C. Society of Transition Houses continue their efforts in supporting and providing essential services to Women.

Every dollar that is donated will make a difference. All contributions are most appreciated.

If your local/branch/DCL is able to assist us in our endeavour to help the B.C. Society of Transition Houses, you can deliver the donation to the PSAC Regional Office in your area by August 30th, 2019. If you do not have a PSAC Regional Office in your area, you can send the donation with your local Regional Women's Committee Chair.

If you have any questions please contact Nancy Sermons at nancysermons@gmail.com or Kelly Sidhu at kulvinderca@yahoo.ca.

In Solidarity,

Nancy R. Sermons Chair, Victoria RWC On behalf of the Conference Organizing Committee

PS: All donations are welcome and will be recognized at the Conference. Cheques should be made payable to the Victoria Region Women’s Committee with a note that it’s for the Regional Women’s Conference donation.