Toward a policy that represents and unites us
Since its foundation, the FIQ has identified as a feminine and feminist organization with a 90% female workforce. With the reforms in the last several years and the rise in populist ideologies (e.g., in the U.S.), we have noticed a decrease in the number of women getting involved in the Federation. To change this, the union reps at the network meeting on February 21 and 22, 2018, discussed a policy on the fair representation of women in positions of power at the FIQ. The union reps attended workshops, conferences and participated in a panel to stimulate reflection on the topic.
“As women and healthcare professionals, we must mobilize and defend our rights to encourage women to get more involved in decision-making bodies at the FIQ. It is totally normal to implement a policy on the representation of women while having men as our allies,” said Nancy Bédard, President and Joint Political Officer for the FIQ’s Status of Women Sector.
The events that have unfolded in the last weeks (known as the “Nurses’ crisis”) also confirms that women need to take their rightful place in positions of power. Organizational violence and inequality will continue until women occupy these positions. “To advance our cause and wage our battles, we need to unite and adopt a policy that truly represents us,” said Shirley Dorismond, Vice-President and Joint Political Officer for the FIQ’s Status of Women Sector.