UCalgary: women’s rights are far from equal

Wednesday is International Women’s Day, and a University of Calgary (UCalgary) professor points out that there is still work to be done in terms of equality.

“These rights that we’ve earned— and this is the frustrating part, they are rights!! — And yet we have to fight for them,” said Dr. Rebecca Sullivan – a professor of gender and sexuality studies at UCalgary.

Dr. Sullivan says despite celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements around the world, the progression has not been steady.

Canadian women earned the right to vote in 1918, but Sullivan says it wasn’t until much later that all Canadian women were given that opportunity.

“And that’s white women in Canada. Indigenous women weren’t given the right to vote till 1960. And in Quebec, in fact, the women weren’t allowed to vote in the provincial elections till 1945. So, it’s been a much slower evolution,” she added.

Sullivan adds women have always had to fight for their basic rights, and they also have to fight to keep them.

She says it’s frustrating that issues like gender equality, violence and abuse against women, and reproductive rights are still relevant in 2023.

Sullivan explains that abortions were illegal in the country until 1989, with not enough progress, even after 34 years.

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“We still have incredibly limited access, particularly in rural communities. We still have a complete AAJ podge of laws and regulations across the country. So, you know, we made one very big step forward, but we’ve got a long way to go,” she explained.

In addition, Sullivan says there is still a wage gap between working women and working men. She asks women to speak up for their rights and be part of the solution to end discrimination.

The International World Health Organization also celebrated women on Wednesday, pointing out areas of inequalities across the world, including the risks of unintended pregnancies, malnutrition, depression, and other risks.

Their theme for 2023 is DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, stressing on the importance of “digital health and information platforms” to give women independence improved health.