Women 2000 women's hockey and human rights

Women 2000 is a group of community women, based in Saskatoon, who are committed to action that works towards equality for women. In April 2000 we launched a human rights complaint under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code against the University of Saskatchewan. Women 2000 alleged that the University discriminates against women because of their gender and in particular we believe that the women’s inter-university hockey program, run through Huskie Athletics, is treated in an inferior manner as compared to the men’s program.

We recently learned that our complaint is proceeding to the inquiry stage of the human rights process. Although we are pleased with this development it is a long time in coming. Several years ago we entered into mediation with the University and the process failed. In addition to spending considerable time gathering background information to support our allegations we also drafted and presented a settlement offer to the University. They refused our offer.

As we prepare for the inquiry we invite you to share your experience. What is happening surrounding women’s hockey at your university and in your community? Are you aware of actions similar to ours? Who are the gender and sport experts who might be called to testify on our behalf?

Since Women 2000 has to cover legal costs associated with the inquiry, we welcome your ideas for launching successful fund raising campaigns. All the legal work to date has been pro bono and has been done by Leslie Belloc Pinder from the firm Hnatyshyn Gough. We are hoping to change that arrangement in the future because the work is becoming more intense as the hearing date approaches.

Thank you for your anticipated response. Please contact us at Women2000@sasktel.net

Sincerely,
Glenis Joyce for Women 2000
March 3, 2005