Standing Strong for Women's Rights: A Call to Action from Our Women's Centre

As we navigate the shifting political landscape both locally and globally, we are reminded of how easily our hard-won freedoms as women can be threatened. The feminist movement—while having achieved significant progress—finds itself at a critical juncture. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we continue advocating for women’s rights, not only here in British Columbia’s Interior but across Canada and beyond.

At our Women’s Centre, we stand firm in our belief that feminism is about freedom—freedom from violence, freedom to make choices, and freedom to live with dignity and respect. But the fight for equality is not over, and we must keep pushing for change in policies and systems that continue to harm and disenfranchise women.

What Does It Mean to Be a Feminist Activist and Advocate for Women's Equity?

Being a feminist activist is about more than just raising a voice—it’s about action. It’s about standing up for the rights of women, advocating for policies that support gender equality, and working toward a future where all women can live free from discrimination and violence. Feminism is about making tangible change to ensure women have the opportunity to thrive and be heard in every aspect of life—whether at work, at home, or in the community.

Advocates for women’s equity work tirelessly to make this change happen. Whether through lobbying for stronger protections for women’s health, supporting policies to end gender-based violence, or ensuring equal pay, they show up and amplify women’s voices. They take action to create a society where all women—regardless of their background—are given the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve.

The Importance of Feminism Today

It is easy to overlook how fragile our rights can be, especially when policies emerge that threaten the hard-won progress we have made. We are seeing a global trend of policies that restrict women’s health and autonomy, undermining decades of work to create a safer, more equitable world. These attacks—on abortion access, on control over women’s bodies—are regressive and dangerous.

But the fight for women’s rights is not just for women—it is a fight for everyone. When policies that erode women’s rights are allowed to take hold, we all lose. Women's equity is a collective issue; it impacts families, communities, and societies. That is why we must keep standing tall and continue to engage in conversations about women’s rights and freedoms.

Key Women's Equity Issues in Canada

Here in Canada, women face many challenges that deserve our attention and action:

• Reproductive Rights: The ongoing battle over abortion access continues to threaten women’s autonomy. We cannot allow laws that restrict access to safe, legal abortions, which are essential for women’s health and rights. Anti-abortion laws can leave women bleeding out, and not being able to get vital procedures such as DNCs when going through miscarriage which could ultimately lead to fatality.

• Gender-Based Violence: Despite years of advocacy, women still face violence in its many forms—physical, emotional, and sexual. We must continue to push for stronger protections for survivors and for justice to be served.

• Economic Inequality: The gender wage gap, lack of representation in leadership positions, and barriers to economic independence still persist. These inequalities continue to hold women back, preventing them from fully participating in society on equal terms with men.

• Healthcare and Safety: Marginalized women, including Indigenous women and women of colour, face additional barriers to accessing healthcare. We must advocate for policies that ensure all women have access to the healthcare services they need, including mental health support, reproductive care, and more.

The Need for Solidarity and Ongoing Advocacy

Now, more than ever, we must remain vigilant in our advocacy for women’s rights. The fight for equality is far from over. We cannot become complacent or allow harmful policies to spread unchecked. Women’s rights are human rights, and when women have the freedom to live fully and equally, society as a whole benefits.

But we must also recognize that the feminist movement is not just for women—it is for everyone. Men, non-binary individuals, children, and future generations all stand to benefit from a society that values equality and justice. It’s essential that we build bridges and create dialogue, understanding that those who resist the feminist movement may be grappling with their own fears and misconceptions.

Why We Must Keep Standing Tall

This is why we must stand together, strong and unwavering. As we witness our neighbours in the United States and elsewhere facing the erosion of their rights, we must stand in solidarity. These struggles are not isolated, and what happens in one place can ripple across borders.

Here in Canada, we need to continue advocating for policies that protect and advance women’s rights, challenge harmful rhetoric, and ensure that women's voices are heard and respected. The fight for women’s equality is ongoing, and we must rise to the occasion—not just for ourselves but for the generations of women to come.

At our Women’s Centre, we are committed to continuing the fight for justice, equality, and respect. Together, we can create a future where all women have the rights, freedoms, and opportunities they deserve.

Let us stand together, united in our efforts to build a more equitable world for all women. The future of women’s rights depends on it.