For anyone who is interested in why we post under the name Rosie, here is some background. This release is from May, 2005, during the run-up to the B.C. provincial election. Resist, Revolt, Rebel, RENEW!

Thanks,
Nanaimo Women's Centre Rosies

We Can Do It!
Rosie the Riveters Respond to Women’s Centre Cuts

NANAIMO—Members and supporters of the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society hosted a Rosie the Riveter dress-up demonstration before the All-Candidates’ Forum on Tuesday May 3.
In April, 2004, the Provincial Liberals clawed back $47,000 in core funding from each of B.C.’s Women’s Centres. Faced with a funding crisis, the Nanaimo Women’s Centre may soon be forced to close its doors.
“We have lost the voice of women’s advocacy at the provincial level with the elimination of the Ministry of Women’s Equality, and at the local level with these cuts,” says Jeannie Martin, president of the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society Board of Directors. “Women’s Centres have been cut off at the knees. This demonstration is a way to raise community awareness, and to remind our provincial election candidates that this is an issue the government must take seriously.”
Rosies met outside the Port Theatre at 5:45, and demonstrated until the All-Candidates’ Forum began at 6:30 pm.
Rosie the Riveter became an icon during the Second World War, when American women took over the factories while men were at the front. Her first mention was in a song written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb in 1942. Since the Campbell Liberals took power, Rosie’s confident expression and raised fist has caught on as an image of strength in the face of deep cuts to social programs.
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To make a donation to the Nanaimo Women’s Centre or to volunteer, please call 753-0633, 10am to 3pm Tuesday-Thursday. Thank you!!!