VICTORIA, B.C. - Sonia Furstenau, Deputy Leader of the B.C. Green Party, issued the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day:
“Tomorrow in British Columbia and around the world we will celebrate, together, the accomplishments of women,” said Furstenau. “But let us also recognize the urgent need to continue to work together for a better world.
“Women and gender diverse individuals continue to face violence, poverty, barriers to education and lack of political representation. These challenges are multiplied for those who are differently abled, people of colour, Indigenous, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community.
“The strength to persevere through those challenges - while often simultaneously nurturing children and caring for elders – this is true strength and true leadership. That level of strength is something we see every day in women, and I am deeply inspired and encouraged by it.
“Women’s leadership is truly transformative and our collective goal should be transformation to a world where all girls, and all women, and all people can truly thrive and meet their full potential.
“This International Women’s Day I am reflecting on the extraordinary resilience and strength of women, and I am optimistic that as we see more women in positions of leadership we will move forward together to a brighter future for all.”
B.C. Green Caucus has introduced an amendment to the Residential Tenancy Act that, if passed, would provide tenants with the ability to end their fix term lease if staying in their rental unit is a threat to their safety or security. The most common type of violence this bill addresses is sexual assaults, which disproportionately affects women.
“No one should be forced to live in close proximity to their perpetrator - this bill supports survivors,” said MLA Andrew Weaver, who introduced the bill on the eve of International Women’s Day.
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