Reflections on Women Deliver 2019: The Power of Women By Angela Marcakis, CASJ Status of Women Action Group, BCTF Women in Negotiations, and Surrey teacher
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ast June, I had the privilege of attending the Women Deliver Conference. Over 8,000 delegates from more than 165 countries explored how power can drive (or hinder) progress and change for a more gender-equal world. The Power of Gender Equality The buzz of a room full of powerful feminist leaders from around the world surrounded me as I anxiously waited for the opening plenary to start. As a hush fell over the crowd, the evening began with a powerful welcome by women leaders from
the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, and Squamish First Nations. Katja Iversen, President and CEO of Women Deliver, set the tone with her inspirational words: “We are here to demonstrate the power of gender equality for and with millions of women and girls. A gender-equal world is healthier, wealthier, more productive, and more peaceful. In a gender-equal world, everybody wins.” When Prime Minister Trudeau took the stage, I was glad he acknowledged the report and
BCTF Social Justice Newsletter, Winter/Spring 2020
recommendations on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by recognizing the genocide of Indigenous people. The evening ended with a panel of world powerhouse leaders. The takeaway question for the night was, “How will you use your power to change the world?” The Power of Education I began the conference by listening to a panel discuss gendertransformative education and the power of education to deliver gender equality. In Ghana, the
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