Join us in a safe, inclusive and judgment-free environment
The Women of Inspiration have been meeting regularly since 2004. We were organized by a group of injured worker women who shared the same feelings: feelings of being left alone and feelings of isolation and grief. We believed that forming a group would help us learn how to fight for our rights as injured workers, while creating a space for mutual support as women, as mothers and as care givers – so we can grow together in this process.
We meet both formally and socially to discuss issues that affect us as injured workers, including how to:
- improve our health, how to cope with pain, physical and emotional
- handle frustrations in dealing with claims or return to work
- meet the WSIB officials, politicians, and others to address problems we experience
- offer recommendations on improving the compensation system
Guest speakers (naturopaths, doctors and mental health workers, nutritionists and other community groups) discuss recovery, while clinic staff update us on workers’ compensation issues.
The Group is active in events such as Injured Workers’ Day (June 1st) and the overnight vigil on the evening before, the annual Christmas demo and wherever injured workers rally. Recently long-time WOI activist Maryam Nazemi was honoured for her advocacy for workers’ compensation reforms, particularly in extending coverage. Several of our members form the core of the Justice Singers Choir, putting to music the poetry of injured worker activists, including Beryl Brown and Sylvia Clarke.
Selected publications / submissions:
- 2017, Jul. 18. Letter to Minister on Workers’ Compensation Universal Coverage
- 2017, Jul. 18. Brief to the Standing Committee on Bill 148: re Minimum Wage Impact on Injured Workers
- 2015, Dec. 17. Please make CPP fair for Ontario workers
- 2012, Oct. 1. Submission re WSIB Appeals Program