Women are major voice in the teaching profession. Statistics Canada data shows a steady increase in the percentage of women teachers: from 59 per cent women in 1989, to 65 per cent in 1999 and 69 per cent in 2005. CTF’s 2008 data shows that 72.6% of teachers across Canada are women. However, there is a gender imbalance in key leadership positions and in active participation within their respective federations and unions. From an equity perspective, this situation still requires pro-active work. That is one of the reasons why CTF established an Advisory Committee on Women's Issues. One of its goals is to advise the Executive Committee on long-term directions, strategies, policies and regulations to promote the status of women in education.
Nationally, CTF also works with Member organizations and with many national advocacy groups such as Equal Voice and the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA).
On the international scene, CTF works with Education International, UNESCO, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and other organizations. Through our international programs, CTF supports Women’s Networks in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America - networks that are strong information lifelines for sharing experiences and strategies for action on women’s equality within teacher unions.
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