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ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED WOMEN SPEAK OUT
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This workshop was planned by a committee of
economically disadvantaged women in the Halifax area, assisted by Joan
Brown-Hicks of the Halifax library (also a member of CCLOW'S Board of
Directors). Planning began with committee members describing the difficulties
they face every day, such as poverty, the need for a paid job, difficult social
workers, the humiliation of welfare, the need for a social life, the need for
education, etc. In order to present these issues most effectively, the
committee decided that they would create short skits based on their individual
situations. |
This workshop vividly portrayed the frustrations of women
dealing with the welfare system, job creation programs, single parenthood, and
Canada Employment Centers. The visual impact was heightened by the presence of
a large painting by Bernice Purdy entitled "At the End of the Rope", which
poignantly depicted the sometimes desperate situation of a single parent on
welfare.
The issues presented by each scene were as follows:
Scene I
- Women on welfare are not consulted about their "real" costs
of living. They have no say in the decision-making process which determines
their financial assistance. As a result, there is no connection between the
allowable budget and real financial needs. Recipients are, therefore, forced
into sub-standard housing because the amount allowed is too low.
- Women who are on assistance and who are at home looking
after their children should receive at least as much assistance to look after
their children's needs as a foster parents receive to look after other people's
children.
- A woman on welfare, staying home to look after her children,
should be paid a reasonable wage for the work she is performing.
- A woman who fights the welfare system and is, therefore,
upset emotionally, should not be viewed as someone who just needs to be
tranquilized to accept her situation.
Scene II
- Job creation programs are worthwhile only if permanent
positions are available once the program is over.
- When someone is on social assistance and gets a job
placement, she should be able to keep the last assistance cheque to help with
the extra costs involved.
- Job placements should be paid the same wages as those on
staff are being paid.
Scene III
- Manpower workers should get in touch with their clients when
courses are available that would meet their needs.
- Manpower workers should be familiar with the policies of
municipal and provincial social assistance.
- Once a client has been accepted on a course, she should be
allowed to keep one more assistance cheque to help make the transition from
assistance to training. This would help cover the extra costs involved. (Many
women don't even apply to take courses because they have no money to buy
suitable clothing).
Scene IV
- A woman on assistance has the same needs as anyone for a
reasonable social life. This should be encouraged rather than discouraged by
the welfare system. A woman should not be under pressure for fear of losing her
welfare cheque.
Good discussion took place between the audience and the four
women after each scene was acted out. Other issues raised by the audience
included: the need for universities to change their policies regarding
bursaries and scholarships to part- time students and older adults returning to
university, and the need for a counseling and employment centre for MicMac
women. Examples were given by some of the participants of their successes and
failures in dealing with some of these same issues in their home towns.
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