Ruth Larson - Halifax - Retired CUPW activist

Re: "Conservatives to close most Status of Women offices" (Nov. 30).

I am disgusted, sickened and appalled that the Conservative government is continuing to demonstrate the utmost lack of respect for Canadian women!

I volunteered for many years at the Status of Women office in Labrador City, taking on various positions in the organization. We struggled to s−t−r−e−t−c−h the dollars from the small amount of money that the organization was getting. We paid low salaries to the professionals who worked at the office; we brought our own food for all events; we billeted any guest who came to town; we shared beds and homes; we begged from the community and we struggled along.

This was one place where I saw many women, young and old, gain self−confidence and develop skills such as speaking, writing, socializing and learning.

Children came to play.

We learned more and more about the injustices of our society towards women and what we can do about it. We gained comradeship, friendships, trust in each other; and we made lifelong friends while learning every day.

It is shocking how the Conservative government is hacking at women's livelihoods and eroding many years of hard work, determination and confidence.

Women need to take a minute and see what is happening: We are going backwards 50 years or more. We must speak out now.

Men need to support us in our continuing struggle for fairness, equality and justice.


PUBLICATION: The Chronicle−Herald
DATE: 2006.12.06
SECTION: Letters
PAGE: A11