Don't let COVID-19 undo progress for women: PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic should not be rolling back progress Canadian women made before the crisis.

Speaking at a virtual Daughters of the Vote event organized by Equal Voice, Trudeau says the pandemic has been especially hard for women, who are leaving the workforce at a higher rate than men and often taking on the greater share of caring for kids at home.

The prime minister says politicians should listen to the voices of women, not only when it comes to economic recovery but also on fighting systemic racism, climate change and gender-based violence.

Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of women everywhere and recommit to building a future where they can do - and be - anything they dream of. As we look to build back better from this pandemic, that's what our #FeministRecovery is all about. #IWD2021 https://t.co/M5ZlGb2pdU pic.twitter.com/Ibia1259AY

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 8, 2021

Trudeau says the progress that has been achieved for women is not enough as more needs to be done to lift up women who are Indigenous, Black, or women of colour to build a stronger and more equitable country.

Daughters of the Vote is an annual program organized by Equal Voice that sees 338 female delegates representing every federal riding in Canada take a seat in the House of Commons to speak about issues that concern them.

Happening now: 338 young women from across the country - representing every single federal riding - are virtually taking their seats in the House of Commons for @EqualVoiceCA’s #DaughtersOfTheVote, and I’m logging on to welcome them. Tune in here: https://t.co/VcOHU6bjf1

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 8, 2021

This year, the event is taking place entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.