By Felice Young

With more than 2,100 groups from 135 countries having joined the World March of Women in the Year 2000, plans are now beginning to take shape in what is expected to be the largest demonstration by women in our history.

Born out of the successful 1995 women’s march in Quebec, followed by the National Women’s March Against Poverty in 1996, the World March of Women is intended to let the world’s leaders know that women, who make up 51% of the world’s population, must have a voice in order for equality and justice to be achieved.

While women have made many gains in Canada, such is not the case for the millions of women worldwide who must fight for the basic necessities such as water, food, shelter, paid work, access to health and education, and who endure physical, emotional and sexual abuse on an on-going basis. And so, the two common issues adopted at the International Preparatory meeting in the fall of 1998, will focus on poverty and all forms of violence against women.

Three levels of actions will begin on March 8, International Women’s Day, and conclude on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Firstly, signatory support cards outlining world demands will be distributed in mass amounts. Secondly, women’s movements in each country will organize local, regional and national actions representing demands reflecting their own realities and priorities related to the main theme. Finally, demonstrations will take place outside the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, both in Washington, D.C. on October 15, followed by a mass rally in New York City outside the United Nations building on October 17 where the support cards will be delivered.

"2000 Good Reasons to March" is the main slogan adopted by the International Liaison Committee, made up of 40 representatives of participating groups assisting the Coordinating Committee in making decisions related to world demands. Each country will use the main slogan followed by a phrase reflecting its own circumstances and living conditions women hope to achieve.

The Canadian Labour Congress is hiring a coordinator in the fall of 1999 who will organize national actions. The Alberta Federation of Labour Women’s Committee will be working with the CLC, Alberta representatives from the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, and other women’s groups in organizing provincial actions. It is hoped a provincial delegation will be among the many expected to go to New York.

To become involved in the World March of Women 2000, groups must sign on as a participant. To find out if your union or group has signed on, or for further information, visit the March’s website at www.ffq.qc.ca, or call the Alberta Federation of Labour at (780) 483-3021.