This year, Mother’s Day will have a special meaning for me. I will walk alongside other mothers and grandmothers in front of the National Assembly headquarters. Fathers and grandfathers will be welcome, of course.
Posted yesterday at 9:00 a.m.
But why the hell go to Quebec, gather in front of the Parliament, forget the brunches and the flowers on this usually festive day? Because I can no longer observe a certain political denial in the face of ecological and social disasters. I’m tired of nice words. I no longer want to be reassured. I want action!
This year, two ecologist and feminist movements are joining hands to prepare a march whose theme will be: “Bread and forests”. Ma place au travail and Mères au front bring together thousands of women outraged by the fate of young mothers seeking childcare, but also by the lamentable abandonment of too many political leaders in the face of climate challenges. Two very different questions, in appearance, but so linked when you really think about it.
What do all these women have in common? A concern, even a palpable distress in the face of increasingly important challenges: giving mothers and children the real possibility of flourishing, some at work and the little ones, in a stimulating and affordable place. Then offer the children, adults of tomorrow, a real hope of living a normal life, far from less and less natural disasters.
In short, on May 8, many of us will be calling for more equality and more hope for women, men and their children or grandchildren.
These days, I give several conferences and the same questions come up each time: how to hope? Who to trust ? The opponents of justice and equality are so powerful – and rich – how can we protect the planet? To allow mothers and children to develop fully? Isn’t it too late? Is it still worth bringing children into the world? Phew!
Despite my venerable age, I admit that I don’t have a ready-made recipe, like these ready-to-deliver meals! But two tracks, perhaps. First, not to abdicate, to refuse to be silent, to accept our fate. Speak up, everywhere!
Then, don’t be alone. We are many more than it seems to want another world. It is not useful to ruminate each in our corner. That’s why I’ll be in Quebec. Young and old, we will walk together. So that the Government of Quebec understands that it must act. And quick !
Because time is running out. Thousands of mothers cannot work and earn a living because of a lack of childcare services. What is more, the places offered in private daycare settings are often prohibitively expensive, despite government compensation.
How did we come to this? Is not the economic autonomy of women a fundamental right demanded by feminist movements for at least 60 years? Wasn’t the fight against poverty and inequality at the heart of the Bread and Roses march in May 1995? In 2022, would we accept that thousands of women find themselves unemployed due to a lack of daycare? Why aren’t we massively developing the network of early childhood centres? Does the current government in Quebec claim to be in favor of equality between women and men? Misery !
Time is also running out for environmental protection and respect for nature to take precedence over the profits of big corporations and billionaire banks. This is about life, our life, especially that of our children.
We are collectively faced with the following choice: either we seriously change our economic orientations, or we will face a warming of the planet which will make life unbearable for these children whom we love so much.
We are responsible for the rest of the world. This is why I will walk on May 8, as in 1995. Happy to be shoulder to shoulder with so many bright, determined, courageous women. Also with our spouses who love these little ones in our lives.