Bread and Roses on International Women's Day
Women studying sciences, trades and technology at Nova Scotia Community College can apply for a bursary that aims to advance women's economic equality.
The Advisory Council on the Status of Women established the Bread and Roses Bursary in 2009 to encourage more women to enter higher-paying work and to mark International Women's Day.
"This is an investment in the economic equality of women and in a better future for families," said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
Marilyn More, Minister of Education, said government is committed to creating more community college seats for high-demand trades and professions.
"We need more women in higher-paying work, in high-demand trades and professions," said Ms. More. "By increasing the number of women in these programs, we expand their job options and future prosperity."
The Department of Education, EnCana Corporation and the advisory council are supporting the $20,000 fund, which will provide two $3,500 awards and 13 $1,000 awards for students entering or continuing studies in trades, technology and science-related programs at NSCC's campuses. Women can use the money to pay for child care, transportation, tuition, school supplies and other necessities.
"EnCana Corporation is pleased to partner in the Bread and Roses Bursary," said Dwight Dorey, a community liaison advisor for EnCana. "In the Nova Scotia workforce, women are under represented in the skilled trades and Bread and Roses can help change that by providing support and encouragement."
Bread and Roses is the title of a poem that became an anthem for women marching for improved working conditions a century ago. Today it is linked to International Women's Day, to recognize women's accomplishments and contributions in paid and unpaid work.
"These awards will make a difference in the lives of the women who receive them," said Catherine MacLean, NSCC's vice-president of people and planning. "The awards will help them reach the career success they are working so hard to achieve."
The NSCC Foundation manages the Bread and Roses Bursary. For more information, go to www.nscc.ca and check the links under Scholarships and Bursaries, or contact the foundation at 902-491-2790.