The Conseil du statut de la femme is a government consultation and study council that, since 1973, has devoted itself to promoting and defending the rights and interests of women in Québec. It advises the Québec government on all issues regarding the status of women, and seeks to keep women and the general public informed on matters within its purview.

The Council's actions are laid out in a multiyear strategic plan. The plan and its orientations are rooted in an ever-changing social, political, and economic context, and are the result of a vast canvassing of opinions among Québec-wide and regional groups. In Québec's pluralistic arena, where globalization and major demographic shifts are playing out, the quest for equality between men and women is increasingly important. The Council's goal is to ensure that women are part of the changes taking place and that they have their say in directing those changes towards their needs and aspirations. Over the coming years, the Council also intends to pay close attention to young women and their special needs, and to encourage their participation in all sectors of social life.

The Conseil du statut de la femme is made up of a chair and ten members named by the government for five and four years respectively. Members are appointed following consultation with women's associations, socioeconomic groups, universities, and unions. They form a microcosm of society, determining the Council's main direction and approving all the reports it releases. Are also members ex officio of the Council but not entitled to vote the Deputy ministers (or their delegates) of Health and Social Services, Education, Labour, Employment and Solidarity, Culture and Communications and the secretary of the Conseil du trésor or their delegates.

To help it effectively fulfill its mandate to perform research, provide information, and raise awareness, the Council has a permanent staff at its head office in Québec City and in eleven regional offices around the province.

The Council seeks first to document and illustrate the status of women in Québec through studies and research. It also advises the government on matters of concern to women and suggests actions for improving their health and economic status, enhancing their well-being, and ensuring they occupy the place they deserve in the various seats of power and influence. Through its work, the Council seeks to raise awareness among government bodies and socioeconomic partners while providing women's groups and individuals with the tools they need to make their voices heard.

The Council examines such issues as the participation of women in regional development, their access to power, barriers to maternity, the protection of women workers, reconciling work with family life, the new focus on ambulatory care, and the future of the health and social services system. The gathering and analysis of data also allows it to keep abreast of changes in the socioeconomic status of women. In addition, the Council monitors and analyzes draft bills and regulations in areas such as taxation, income security, and job equity and identifies their impact on women. It also studies the measures and programs implemented in such diverse fields as education, health, employment, and the family, with a view to modifying them or adding aspects to make them better adapted to the needs of women.

The Council's actions take the form of comments or advisory reports to the Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the Minister concerned, or as briefs tabled before parliamentary committees. Lastly, the Council often brings key issues of concern to women into the public spotlight. In doing so, it spurs debate among women and their associations and partners. Some of the many themes featured at symposiums and public events have included new reproductive techniques, social policies, the challenges facing the feminist movement today, issues of cultural and religious diversity, and reconciling family and professional responsibilities.

The Council's information-sharing role stems from the research and studies it performs and the reports it releases. By publishing summaries, brochures, and leaflets, the Council seeks not only to raise public awareness of topical issues, but also to provide women's groups and other partners with the tools they need. This facilitates the understanding and discussion of such timely issues as nonstandard employment, ambulatory care, and problems specific to elderly women or young girls.

Other themes like reconciling work and family, sharing family duties, and training for tomorrow's job market serve to enhance awareness among various target groups, thereby helping to change mentalities. Every year, the Council plays an active role on International Women's Day. In fact, every March 8, it proposes a theme and offers material to women and women's groups to stimulate debate or back activities organized by government departments, businesses, and other groups. Its quarterly newsletter, Info-CSF, tells of the Council's activities and events. All this literature is available free of charge upon request and can also be consulted on the Council's Website.

Every two months, the Council publishes La Gazette des femmes. It features both in-depth reports and articles on unusual topics, spotlighting the status of women from all angles. The magazine is sold at newsstands. To subscribe, inquire at one of the Council's offices or consult the Website. By way of La Gazette des femmes, the Council has also launched a collection of guides on subjects of interest to women, notably family and health. The guides contain a wealth of advice, resources, and useful information, and are available for sale from Publications du Québec or as a bonus upon subscription to the magazine

The Council in the regions

English publications

Right to Equality Between Women and Men and Freedom of Religion,
Summary, November 2007, No. 207-09-I, 28 p. [PDF file]

For a New Social Contract of Equality Between Women and Men,
Summary, November 2004, No. 204-20-I, 28 p. [PDF file]

The Long March Forward - A History of Women's Rights
Information pamphlet, December 2003, No. 203-14-I, 8 p. [PDF file]

Is Prostitution Work or Exploitation ? Further Consideration Is Needed
Summary, May 2002 16 p. [PDF file]

The Conseil du statut de la femme - A different outlook on the world
Information pamphlet, April 2001. [PDF file]

The FTAA and equality between men and women
Summary pamphlet, April 2001 [PDF file] (also available in spanish and portugese)

Ambulatory care: the hidden price for women
Summary, August 1999, 8 p. [PDF file]

One plus one: a study of the legal recognition of lesbian couples
Synthesis, August 1998, No. 198-09-I, 6 p. [PDF file]

Cultural and religious diversity: A study of the stakes of women
Synthesis, December 1997, No. 197-07-I, 8 p. [WordPerfect file] [PDF file]

Female genital mutilation: a practice that must end
Position of CSF, December 1995, 195A-09-A, 19 p.[PDF file]

True Origins of March 8, International Women's Day
Information pamphlet, November 1995, 2 p. [PDF file]

Two is not too many: a study concerning the use of parental leave
Summary, September 1995, 195-A-09-II, 5 p. [PDF file]

The tax system and alimentary pensions for children: a new approch
Synthesis, July 1995 2 p. [PDF file]

Analysis of the issue of wearing veils in school
Synthesis, June 1995, 2 p. [PDF file]

Last Update : 2007-11-14