Women in Vancouver are currently occupying the BC/Yukon Status of Women Canada (SWC).

Women Reclaim Their Rights

For Immediate Release

Thursday, January 18th, 2007

Sit-in at BC/Yukon Status of Women Canada Vancouver Office

Vancouver - Women in Vancouver are currently occupying the BC/Yukon Status of Women Canada (SWC). On the heels of a successful rally against federal cuts to equality rights, earlier today, 15-20 women are demanding that the Harper conservative government:

. reinstate the $5 million which as been slashed from Status of
Women Canada budget

. withdraw the decision to close 12 of the 16 Status of Women
Canada regional offices

. return "equality" to the Women's Program mandate while ensuring
that research, lobbying, and advocacy are eligible for funding

. reinstate the Court Challenges Program so that equality rights
test cases are accessible

. adopt proactive pay equity legislation

. implement the promise of a nation-wide accessible childcare program

. Insist that Canada honours and fulfills its CEDAW obligations

SWC National has been notified of the sit-in and the Vancouver office awaits a response.

The women resisting the cuts and closures, who are occupying the office, encourage women to engage in similar sit-ins at other SWC office across Canada. These women also welcome others to join them at the sit-in to 'reclaim women's rights' which have been attacked.