Host Sarah Burke discusses the recent elimination of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality in Canada with guests Jacqueline Neapole and Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, two feminist leaders fighting to reinstate the position and better support the advancement of women and gender equality around the world.

They reflect on the implications of this decision amidst the backdrop of the UN Women's Rights Summit, where they were advocating for gender equality. They highlight the mobilization of feminist organizations, the role of youth in shaping the future, and the urgent call for reinstatement of the ministerial role with accountability from political leaders. They explore the implications of the UN's financial crisis and the political backdrop affecting women's rights in Canada, emphasizing the need for collective action and the power of individuals to influence change, particularly in light of the upcoming election.

More about Jacqueline Neapole:

Jacqueline Neapole is the executive director of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW). Jackie has been with CRIAW since 2013 working with community and academy-based researchers to conduct feminist research for action. A feminist activist for over 20 years, she has previously worked and volunteered in various capacities with other social justice organizations to advance women’s rights and equality, including the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action. She currently serves on the board of the Women’s History Project.

www.criaw-icref.ca

criaw-icref.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/fword.efem

More about Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah:

Debbie is the Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Before joining Action Canada, she was the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) and has been instrumental in advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and communities.

She has spoken at Parliamentary and Senate standing committees, and has appeared in numerous media outlets. She has held several advocacy and policy-oriented positions in government and non-profit organizations, including Oxfam Canada and Global Affairs Canada.

Debbie is an accomplished community educator, feminist activist, and social justice advocate driven by the mission of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and safe world. She has continued to dedicate her time to local progressive organizing, including most recently, as a commissioner for the Ottawa People's Commission on the Convoy Occupation.

https://www.actioncanadashr.org/

https://secure.actioncanadashr.org/en/unity

The statement we discussed is posted here: https://www.criaw-icref.ca/statements/joint-news-release-on-minister-of-wage/

The Demand Better campaign officially launches on April 2nd:

https://demandbettertoday.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHlVWPDRb1Y/?hl=en

Further reading on the rise of regressive movements in Canada:

https://www.criaw-icref.ca/publications/impacts-of-anti-feminism-and-regressive-movements-in-canada-findings-from-regional-discussions/

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