WINNIPEG – Got $5,000 and a passport? Then maybe the world conference on women scheduled for Beijing, China in September is a possibility.
But those concerned about the issues who lack the cash can “do Beijing” at home.
Women’s groups in Manitoba met recently to discuss strategy for the conference, and share stories about how they’re making their voices heard locally and globally.
Stella LeJohn, who chairs the province’s United Nations Decade for Women committee, said women across the world are being challenged to find “180 ways in the next 180 days” to attract local attention toward the conference and issues like poverty, health and the environment.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
“You don’t have to go to Beijing to do Beijing,” she said. “Beijing is a time and place. The activities and the issues are right here with us every day.”
Joyce Rankin from Stuartburn, Man. said she doesn’t know if she can afford to go to Beijing, but she’s committed to approaching issues locally.
Respect animals, environment
For example, she said large-scale hog production is increasing in the southeastern corner of the province. “Even though I don’t necessarily have anything against hog production, I want to make sure that it doesn’t ruin our water supply and that it … is respectful of the animals and the environment.”
Rankin said the conference can “put a different frame on the kinds of activities you’re already doing and encourages people to find ways on a daily basis to work for change,” such as organizing an event about equality, peace or development, or supporting a feminist publication.
Women in the province will also be tuning into Beijing and “meeting” sisters around the world through the internet. “It’s going to facilitate women being able to get simultaneous information,” said LeJohn, “almost as though they were sitting in Beijing themselves.”
LeJohn is positive about local progress and she pointed toward the Women’s Enterprise Centre in Winnipeg as an example. She said awareness of violence against women has increased.
“I think (the Beijing conference) will prove that we’ve got a long way to go,” said Rankin.
The 180 days, 180 ways campaign started last Wednesday, which was International Women’s Day, and ends Sept. 6, an international day when women at the conference and around the world will call attention to issues and solutions.
