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In support of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s impassioned plea for gender parity, UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings reiterated the longstanding support of the labour movement for gender equality.

“This is the best statement of the day,” said Jennings. “We have seen too much economic violence against women. If we look at the fractures of income disparity and employment opportunity, women have been the victims. The message from Trudeau and others is clear - enough is enough.”

Veronica Fernandez Mendez, Head of the Equal Opportunities department at UNI said, “The time to act for gender equality is now – there can be no excuses. Business and political leaders must pick up the call that gender equality is not only a social imperative, but a huge economic opportunity.”

“The labour movement has stood for equality for a generation. We feel the benefits of having women in power in our trade union structures and we know the difference it makes for working people and our organisations.”

“By some calculations, equality of opportunity could add 15 trillion dollars or more to the world economy. This is an economic opportunity for the world and a chance to create a shared future based on social justice.”