UFCW Women lead the charge for change
Edmonton and Saskatoon – March 10, 2025 – In celebration of International Women’s Day, UFCW 401’s RISING Women’s Conference in Edmonton and UFCW Local 1400’s 19th Annual Women’s Conference in Saskatoon brought together hundreds of UFCW activists, all focused on empowering one another and advancing the fight for women’s rights and leadership.
From March 5-8, UFCW 401 hosted the RISING (For Her, I Will) Women’s Conference in Edmonton. The empowering conference united UFCW activists from across Alberta, creating a platform to rise in the face of ongoing challenges to women’s rights and safety. Participants discussed the alarming rise in violence against women, the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the persistent threats to their rights.
The conference provided a space where women honoured the warriors who fought for progress and embraced the responsibility to continue their work. While more women have stepped into leadership roles, barriers such as unconscious bias, cultural expectations, and misogyny still hold many back. A key focus of the event was pushing for greater representation of women in decision-making positions to shift narratives and create opportunities for future generations of leaders.
Meanwhile, on March 7-8, UFCW Local 1400 hosted its 19th Annual Women’s Conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The event brought together UFCW activists from across Saskatchewan, including activists from UFCW Local 1400, UFCW Local 248P, and UFCW Local 649. This annual conference provided a platform for discussing critical issues, sharing experiences, and empowering women both personally and professionally.
“The energy in the room at this year’s conference was nothing short of electrifying,” said UFCW Local 1400 President and UFCW International Vice-President Lucy Figueiredo-Flack. “It’s a reminder that even in the most challenging times, women continue to inspire and drive change. We refuse to back down, and together, we lift each other up, creating a stronger, more resilient community.”
With both conferences emphasizing the power of solidarity, empowerment, and action, UFCW women proved that they are unstoppable. These events were not just about learning—they were about mobilizing, igniting change, and standing up for the future of women in the workforce and beyond.
