The struggle for equality
...at has traditionally been dominated by men. Having women involved at base level union leadership allows for them to learn and understand the structure and direction of the union. Once they are comfortable and educated they would be more likely to want to advance and put their name forward as a candidate at the top of the union leadership hierarchy. Unions throughout Canada go even further trying to promote and encourage women to participate. Women's conferences are held each year in different cities, and are specifically geared to addressing the concerns and issues women face in a world traditionally dominated by males. These empowering conferences have a tremendous value to women in the workplace. Women return to their locals and report on issues that are challenging women from other parts of the country and this allows for local unions to prepare for and deal with issues that are occurring in other parts of the country. The effects of promoting equality within the workplace and local union leadership extend far beyond the workplace. Empowered women take the knowledge that they are equals home with them and entrench those values and beliefs in their children. Young women who come from homes with confident women role models are more likely to believe in themselves and demand to be treated as equals in whatever life path they choose. Today’s more confident women are a direct result of generations of women fighting for equality in both the community and the workplace. Now, more than ever we are seeing women taking on leadership roles in the political arena. Years ago the thought of having a female prime minister was not even thought to ...