Women of all ages and cultures will come together on Tuesday, March 5 at the learning centre’s International Women’s Day Gala Dinner.
The “intergenerational event” has been fun in previous years and it’s great to see all sorts of women together under one roof, said Marcoux.
International Women’s Day began in the early 1900s with women rising against workplace oppression. Strides have been made since then, but progress is still necessary.
“Women are breaking into new areas of work,” with jobs in trades and other typically male-dominated sectors. However, when identical qualifications and jobs are compared between men and women, women earn only 67 per cent of what men make, said Marcoux.
Some changes have occurred in politics, but there’s room for more. There are currently 65 female MPs, which account for 21 per cent of all MPs. Alberta has two strong political female figures with Premier Alison Redford and Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith and other provinces like B.C. have elected female premiers, said Marcoux.
Although Kim Campbell held office briefly after Brian Mulroney resigned, Canada has yet to elect a female prime minister.
We are at a “tipping point” with women making up 57 per cent of the total population in universities, said Marcoux, and there will be changes to the workforce when these women enter it over the next 10 years.
Locally, many women have contributed to Jasper and the global community, she said. Many retail shops in town are owned by women and numerous groups, like the Girl Guides, were started by women.
Previous generations of women have shattered the idea that females must choose either to raise a family or have a successful career. In fact, women have progressed from what feminists call “double shifting” to “triple shifting.” In addition to having a family and career, they also volunteer more in the community.
One side effect of women taking on more in the workplace, at home and in the community is the risk of burnout. It’s important to learn to say no and realize that “we should never be expected to do it all.
“It’s good that we’re calling on men to be more participatory,” she adds.
Part of Women’s Day is celebrating the women who will build tomorrow’s future and how women today can make things different and better for them. One important aspect is providing education on women’s rights and movements, of which little is taught during elementary and high school, said Marcoux.
“Women before us have broken the path, now we have to ask what is the glass ceiling today?”
The gala dinner will recognize past achievements of women in the community and discuss the future of women’s achievements locally and beyond. The aim is to celebrate all of Jasper’s women.
“We’re quite eclectic,” said Marcoux.
The International Women’s Day Gala Dinner is on Tuesday, March 5 at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre. Men are also invited to attend.
The reception beings at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for youth and available at the Jasper Adult Learning Centre.
