Women advocate for political equity and abortion rights
On Jan. 18th, over a hundred people gathered at City Hall for a Women’s March promoting equality in political representation and abortion rights.
Social justice activist Susan O’Donnell organized the event. She has a special interest in the rights of women, workers, and Indigenous peoples.
Kate Rogers who is Fredericton’s only female City Councillor was among the speakers. She would like to see more women in municipal governance and encourages women to get involved.
“It takes 30% to make a change so we need women out there putting themselves forward,” said Rogers.
The march was kept short largely due to the cold weather and finished at Wilmot United Church. Jenica Atwin is the first female MP for Fredericton and was a keynote speaker. Hot topics were women in politics and Clinic 554.
The private abortion clinic will be closing soon due to financial unsustainability. Many blame the closure on the province for refusing to pay for out of hospital abortions.
“The fact that this was affirmed over 30 years ago by the supreme court of Canada to have universal access for anyone who might need these services but yet we still have archaic laws within our New Brunswick Medical Services Act- it’s just unacceptable,” said Atwin.
Currently, only three hospitals in New Brunswick that perform free surgical abortions for women who hold a valid New Brunswick Medicare card.
A number of men came including city councillor Greg Ericson and Green Party Leader David Coon who represents Fredericton South.
“Men have been running the show for way too long and we need to have a representative system of politics that’s reflective of our society. If we did, things like Clinic 554 would not be an issue that continues to get ignored by government,” said Coon.
One young mom held her baby in one arm and a sign in the other that read “Marching before I can even walk.”
Leanne Lagsiar wants to set a good example for her daughter.“I’m proud that I’ll be able to share with her that this was her first march,” said Lagsiar.
The event wrapped up with an open mic session where women were encouraged to share their experiences and plans on how to achieve political equity in government at all levels.