Given the COVID-19 impact, the Advocacy Committee has been brainstorming how to work most effectively for our members. We want to ensure women and gender diverse people are at the table!
We are energized by the solidarity we see evolving both at the national and international levels. Here are four current initiatives:
- Industry-wide discussions are taking place about the impact of the pandemic on our work. A new ‘Nation-Wide Industry Task Force’ has been established with over 60 organizations participating including all the major national and provincial funding agencies, unions and associations. WIFTV’s Advocacy Chair, Sharon McGowan is attending the weekly meetings;
- As part of WIFT-Canada – a coalition of WIFT branches across the country and Women in View – we are meeting on a weekly basis and preparing a cross-country webinar, or webinar series, national in scope. Stay tuned for more info;
- WIFTV has a representative, Susan Brinton, on the WIFT International (WIFTI) board which is actively seeking ways to connect members around the world. These initiatives will come forward in the next two weeks. (For more information or if you wish to receive the WIFTI newsletter, which we highly recommend, here’s the website link)
- And finally, we still need to hear from you. Please tell us your stories about how you are coping with the COVID-19 situation and how we can help.
It is striking how the crisis is bringing groups together that share the common goal of gender equality in our industry.
Connection is becoming more vital than ever.
We know that women and gender diverse people are disproportionately affected during this difficult time, and that crisis exacerbates gender inequality on so many levels. It is more important than ever that women and gender diverse people are represented in the decision-making process as we navigate this crisis, together (Eleanor Fast, Executive Director, Equal Voice Canada).