October hosts an array of awareness themes, weeks and days but two that are most relevant to the Women Centre’s current “Work for Change” work are Women’s History Month and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17.
During Women’s History Month we will take time to reflect upon women in our herstories – women that lived on this land before we walked on it and the work they have done to change our realities or to fight for positive, equitable realities for women in our communities. At the Women’s Centre we celebrate year round with a “Women in the News” folder that sits on our coffee table. New articles are added weekly and it is open for contribution from everyone.
Despite positive changes, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17 marks a day that is a reminder that poverty continues to thrive around the world. It works to create greater awareness that eradication of poverty rather than poverty reduction is the end goal.
In 2010, 90% of women using the Women’s Centre indicated that they were dealing with poverty. Unfortunately women and poverty are intricately connected, which is why our “Work for Change” work is focused on issues facing women in poverty. Women are more likely to be poor than men – especially in Alberta. Please check out our “Fast Facts on Women and Poverty” here for more information.
For more information on our “Work for Change” work with women and poverty, please get in touch with me at 403-264-1155 or leah@womenscentrecalgary.org.
Cheers,
Leah – Social Issues Coordinator
Photo Credit – Photo by Lorena Pajares