UFCW Canada women continue to make history
Toronto – March 17, 2026 - Across Canada and around the world, women in the labour movement are continuing to lead, organize, and break new ground. From grassroots leadership development to international advocacy and policy victories that improve workplace equity, UFCW Canada members and activists are helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future for working people.
Recent events, including a milestone women’s conference in Saskatchewan, global discussions on gender equality at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, and a major workplace equity victory in Manitoba, highlight the growing impact of women’s leadership within the union and across the broader labour movement.
Celebrating 20 Years of Women’s Leadership
More than 100 activists gathered in Saskatoon from March 5 to 7 for the 20th UFCW Local 1400 Women’s Conference, marking two decades of organizing, solidarity, and empowerment.
Members from UFCW Locals 1400, 248P, and 649 joined guests from other unions and the National Office for the milestone event, which featured workshops, discussions, and reflections on the past and future of women’s leadership in the labour movement.
The conference theme, Honouring our Roots – Strengthening our Future, encouraged participants to reflect on the progress made over the past twenty years while identifying the work still needed to advance equality and opportunity for women in workplaces and communities.
Participants also heard from guest speaker Judy Darcy, former national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), who shared insights from decades of advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice.
“As we celebrate our beginnings and the progress we’ve made, we’re also looking ahead,” said UFCW Local 1400 President Lucy Figueiredo. “Our history as UFCW is powerful, but our future is even more promising, and it will be shaped by the women in this room.”
UFCW Canada Delegation at the United Nations
UFCW Canada also brought its voice to the international stage during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW70), held in New York from March 9 to 20, 2026.
Officers and staff from UFCW Locals 175 & 633, 1006A, 12R24, 832, 401, and the National Office participated in the first week of the conference, forming the largest UFCW Canada delegation ever to attend the global gathering.
This year’s session focused on the theme of ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including promoting inclusive legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws and policies, and addressing structural barriers that prevent equality.
Delegates also reviewed progress on commitments related to women’s participation in public life and the elimination of violence against women, key pillars in advancing gender equality worldwide.
A number of sessions focused on the growing challenge of digital violence and harassment. Participants emphasized that the same standards of respect, dignity, and safety expected in workplaces and communities must also apply in digital spaces.
A Workplace Equity Victory in Manitoba
Progress for women is also being made closer to home.
Starting in August, provincially regulated workplaces in Manitoba will be required to provide workers with free menstrual products such as pads and tampons in washrooms or other accessible locations.
The new requirement, introduced by the Manitoba Federation of Labour, of which UFCW Local 832 is a member, and supported by labour organizations across the province, aims to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces while helping reduce financial barriers faced by many workers.
The initiative makes Manitoba the first province in Canada to implement such a requirement, demonstrating how coordinated labour advocacy can lead to meaningful improvements in workplace equity and dignity.
To learn more about the trailblazing women who have helped shape the union, explore the UFCW Canada Women’s History Timeline and discover the milestones, leaders, and achievements that continue to inspire the next generation of activists within our union and beyond.
