Issue 93 – 26, March 15, 2026
Changing World
Today, more than a quarter of the women in the world are seniors. Despite their large numbers, older women are rarely included in discussions about women’s rights and equality. This is a problem because older women face unique challenges.
For the first time in its history, the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) decided to focus specifically on older women. This is a huge step because, for many years, older women remained invisible in global talks about gender equality. The CSW also held a special roundtable discussion on older women, giving them a voice at the international level. This progress was made thanks to the hard work of groups like the Global Alliance on the Rights of Older Persons, which CURC is an active member, and older women themselves, who are speaking up for their rights.
Many older women live in poverty, suffer from poor health, or experience violence and discrimination simply because of their age and gender.
In 1995, the world gathered in Beijing for a historic conference about women’s rights. This conference created a plan called the Beijing Platform for Action, which set goals for helping women in many areas, like health, education, and ending violence. This event and the agreements made there helped push gender equality forward. It made the world realize that women’s rights are human rights and that changing society’s rules is necessary for true equality.
Even though thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration recognized that older women face special problems, progress has been slow. Today, they are still often ignored in policies and funding. When the CSW met last week, including older women on the agenda is a good start, but real change will only happen if governments take action. They need to listen to older women, understand their issues, and create policies that support their rights.
Since then, the global community has worked hard to improve women’s lives. But thirty years later, the fight isn’t over. Older women still face many barriers, and their voices are often missing from the conversation. That’s why the recent focus on older women at the CSW is so important. It shows that we need to keep working and making policies that include women of all ages.
Many women who attended the 1995 Beijing Conference are still fighting for equality today. Their stories remind us of how far we’ve come and how much more needs to be done. These women have shown resilience and leadership, and their experiences inspire new generations to keep pushing for change.
Let’s just look at this past week, for the first time in 70 years, the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) did not agree on its annual outcomes document. The United States was the only country to vote against it. This was a big change in how countries talk about women's rights around the world.
The Trump administration wanted to change or remove important parts of the statement that protect women's rights. They wanted the words to focus only on discrimination against women and girls, not on other issues like violence, false information, or different kinds of unfair treatment. When their ideas were rejected, the US forced a vote and was the only country to oppose the rest of the world. The Result, 37 in favor. 1 against. 6 abstentions. The United States stood alone as the only country to vote against the global reaffirmation of women's rights. As the vote passed, the room erupted in applause
This is a very important time, women's rights are being threatened in many places. Laws that protect women are not the same everywhere, and some places don’t have any protections at all.
The stress faced by women of all ages in today’s world is real, but so is their strength. Recognizing and supporting older women is essential for achieving true gender equality. As the world moves forward, it’s important to listen to their voices, understand their challenges, and take actions that make a difference. Only then can we create a future where women of all ages can live free of discrimination and inequality.
Read more - Holding the Line on Women’s Rights: What the CSW70 Vote Means
Men’s Health Matters
Men’s health is an important issue that needs attention, especially for older men. In Canada, men often face health problems that can affect how long they live and how good their quality of life is.
Recently, the government of Canada decided to create the country’s first men’s health strategy. This is a plan to help men stay healthy throughout their lives, from young boys to seniors.
A strategy is a plan that intends to help solve problems. Canada’s new plan will focus on making sure men can get the support they need to stay healthy. It will look at issues like mental health, physical health, and social well-being. The goal is to reduce health problems that many men face, such as heart disease, cancer, and mental health challenges.
The new men’s health strategy is a step forward for Canada. It shows that the government cares about men's health, especially for older men. By focusing on prevention, support, and changing attitudes, we can help men live longer, healthier lives. This benefits everyone, men, their families, and communities.
As men get older, their health often gets worse. They are more likely to have health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. Older men are also more likely to die from preventable causes, which means their health issues could be avoided with better care. For example, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and many of these deaths happen in older age.
The new strategy can help by encouraging men to take care of themselves. This includes going to the doctor regularly, eating healthy foods, exercising, and talking about their feelings. Many men find it hard to ask for help because of social beliefs that say men should be strong and not show weakness. Changing these ideas is important for helping older men live healthier and happier lives.
Older men need support in many ways. They need access to health care that is easy to reach. They also need programs that teach them about healthy habits and mental health. For example, helping men stay connected to friends and family can prevent feelings of loneliness and depression.
They need easy access to health care, like regular checkups and screenings for diseases such as prostate cancer or heart problems. They also need programs that teach healthy habits, like eating well and exercising.
The government has also created groups like the men’s health caucus, which includes politicians from different parties working together. Their job is to make sure men’s health stays a priority and that new laws and programs are created to help.
Everyone has a part to play. Older men, their families, friends, and health workers can all help. It’s important for men to feel comfortable asking for help when they need it. Talking openly about health issues and breaking down stereotypes about masculinity can make a big difference.
Read more - Improving the health of men and boys in Canada - Canada.ca
Rally Tomorrow Monday, March 16
Don't let them destroy our public health care.
Public health care across Canada is at unprecedented risk.
Join with us tomorrow to call on the government to enforce the Canada Health Act & save public health care.
ONTARIO
Ajax, 12 pm EST
MP Jennifer McKelvie’s office
100 Old Kingston Rd
Waterloo, 1 pm EST
The Hon Bardish Chagger’s office
100 Regina St S
Toronto, 4:30 pm EST
MP Julie Dzerowicz’s office
1202 Bloor St W
Hamilton, 11 am EST
MP Aslam Rana’s office
25 Charlton Ave E
London, 11 am EST
The Hon Arielle Kayabaga’s office
390 Commissioners Road W
Kingston, *Fri, Mar 20*
12 pm - 1 pm EST
The Hon Mark Gerretsen’s office
234 Concession St
Ottawa, 12 pm EST
PM Mark Carney’s constituency office, 240 Kennevale Dr
ALBERTA
Edmonton, 12 pm MST
The Hon Eleanor Olszewski’s office
12220 Stony Plain Rd, NW
Calgary, 12 pm MST
MP Corey Hogan’s office
1717 10th St NW
B.C.
Vancouver, 9:30 am PST
The Hon Hedy Fry’s office
1030 Denman St
MANITOBA
Winnipeg, 12 pm CST
Union Centre
275 Broadway
QUEBEC
Montréal, 12 pm EST
Minister of Health Marjorie Michel’s office
1100, Boul Crémazie E
P.E.I.
Cornwall, 11 am AST
Cornwall Town Hall
15 Mercedes Dr