More photos below
By Lorinda Seward – In Solidarity
Themed “Let’s Get Louder: Our Voice, Our Space, Our Body,” the 2023 OPSEU/SEFPO Women’s Conference took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto from December 1-3. The conference drew female-identifying OPSEU/SEFPO members from across Ontario, setting the stage for meaningful discussions and empowering experiences.
Organized by the Provincial Women’s Committee (PWC), this conference was more than just a weekend gathering; it was a dynamic experience that explored, celebrated, and amplified the strength and resilience of women. The theme, “Let’s Get Louder,” encapsulated the spirit of the conference, urging participants to raise their voices in unison for gender equality.
The conference kicked off Friday night with an energetic blend of Laughter Yoga and a dance party led by Charlene Marshall, a clinical social worker and consultant with the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction. The evening ended with a moving musical performance by Masini McDermott, setting an inspiring tone for the days ahead.
Day two opened with remarks from OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick and First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell, emphasizing the indispensable role of women in driving the unions movement. JP reminded us that with no women, there’s no movement! Laurie encouraged us to find common threads and reminded us of the importance of listening to each other.
Roxanne Francis, Founder and CEO of Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting Services, provided the keynote address, reinforcing the union’s essence as unity. Roxanne used her bag as a visual representation of the metaphor of the invisible backpack. Women don’t often think about the weight of the mental load we carry around, noting that it’s heavier for racialized women. “The invisible backpack of race, you can’t see it, but they’re carrying it, it’s there,” said Roxanne.
Roxanne challenged participants to call things out when they see them. “When we see things and are quiet about them, nothing changes” she said, “I challenge you to call it out and change it, relentlessly, like your life depends on it because it does”.
A thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Sara Labelle, Regional VP for Region 3 and featuring Roxanne Francis, Sharon Bak, Consultant and Mina Amrith, Women’s Advocate explored critical issues such as gender-based violence, advocacy, allyship, and self-care, engaging participants in a meaningful dialogue.
The afternoon session, led by Dr. Crystal Garvey, Region 3 PWC Representative shed, light on the silencing of women, especially racialized ones. Her address wove in the importance of allyship and navigating social constructs. Breakout sessions based on Dr. Garvey’s presentation delved into vital topics like gender-based violence, mental health, and navigating power structures.
Day two concluded with a cultural celebration, featuring Bharathanatyam Dancers Rithika and Maya Jeristus. This was followed by a creative paint night guided by Yuk-Sem Won, a self-taught visual artist whose roots are firmly embedded in OPSEU/SEFPO first as a member then as local president, then sector Chair and now on staff as a Grievance Officer and Convention Supervisor. Participants were guided through painting techniques that saw them come away from that evening with a one-of-a-kind painting that was created specifically for this event.
The final day began with a heartfelt tribute honouring the victims of the December 6th massacre including a moment of silence. Dr. Crystal Garvey then wove together the calls to action from the breakout groups from day two, creating an action plan to pave the way forward.
Excitingly, the draw for centrepieces and donated blankets raised $1,070, generously matched by Regional VPs Sara Labelle (R3), Melissa Shaw (R4), Tara Maszczakiewicz (R6), and Jennifer Van Zetten (R1), totalling $2,140. This money will be split evenly between: Region 1, New Beginnings Loan Fund, London, Middlesex United Way; Region 2, Women’s Centre of Hamilton; Region 3, Victim Services, Durham Region; Region 4, Kingston Interval House; Region 5, Homeward Family Centre Juliette’s Place; Region 6, North Eastern Family & Children’s Services; and Region 7, Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund.
As the conference was winding down, Adamma, the female masquerade from Nigerian Igbo culture, offered a celebration of femininity, embodying the unity and strength fostered throughout the conference. As participants bid farewell, the empowering anthem “Women in Leadership”, a song born from collaboration at the CLC Women’s Summer School, was performed by the PWC representatives and alternates.
The 2023 OPSEU/SEFPO Women’s Conference not only provided a platform for dialogue but also ignited actionable steps, embodying the spirit of unity, and amplifying the voices of union women across Ontario. So, let’s get louder together – louder in our advocacy for gender equality, louder in our celebration of women’s contributions, and louder in our commitment to creating a workplace and community that uplifts and empowers us all.
