The one important thing you can do for women's rights today. | View in browser.

Pictured left to right, women's rights advocates Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, Lise Martin & Morningstar Mercredi

Dear John,

Yesterday I sent you an email about ways to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, like amplifying the voices of women's rights advocates in Canada.

I’m writing to you again because your voice is powerful – and there's one important way you can use it today.

Will you please join us in phoning the office of Minister of Women and Gender Equality Maryam Monsef, urging her to take bold action for women’s rights?

(You’ll see instructions when you click. If you've *already* called, thank you!)

In this era of texting, many of us don't pick up the phone much. But I promise you, flooding the Minister’s voicemail inbox is a great way to send a strong message that more needs to be done to end gender-based violence and support survivors in Canada!

The federal government has taken some well-intentioned actions in support of women’s rights and gender equality. But they aren’t nearly enough to make a real difference.

Indigenous women continue to experience disproportionate levels of violence, and significant action has not been taken to end the sterilization of Indigenous women without their consent. Almost 80% of women and children who seek safety at a women’s shelter are turned away because of lack of space.

With Prime Minister Trudeau’s second mandate just beginning, now is the time to urge Minister Monsef to create the legacy that her government wants—the legacy of making real progress on ending gender-based violence.

Will you phone Minister Monsef and ask her to dedicate significant new money, and to take far reaching, bold actions to end gender-based violence and support survivors?

Picking up the phone to call a politician takes courage. But most calls go straight to voicemail, so don't worry if you're not feeling brave today!

Your phone call will make an enormous difference in letting Minister Monsef know that people in Canada urgently need her to do more NOW to address gender-based violence in Canada.

Thank you for being bold and picking up the phone to send a powerful International Women’s Day message!

Many thanks again for all you do,

Jackie Hansen

Gender Rights Campaigner

Amnesty International Canada

P.S. Wondering what to say on the phone? Don’t worry! We’ve provided talking points for your call. You can click here to learn more and get step-by-step instructions for calling Minister Monsef!