More than 850 activists from across Canada and the United States gathered in Toronto for the United Steelworkers National and International Women of Steel Conference – a space defined by learning, solidarity and a renewed commitment to building power across the labour movement.
From the moment delegates arrived, the energy was clear: this was more than a conference – it was a space to connect, reflect and grow together.
Delegates were welcomed to the conference with opening remarks from Randie Pearson, USW International Women of Steel Director, who emphasized the theme “Know Your Power,” which set the tone for the day ahead.
Anita Bryan, USW District 6 Women of Steel Co-ordinator, provided an update on what is happening with the Women of Steel program within the district. She highlighted the work being done across the region and the importance of continuing to build strong, active women’s committees. “In District 6, we continue to see women stepping up, taking leadership roles and making a real difference in their workplaces and communities,” said Bryan. “Spaces like this are critical – they give us the tools, the confidence and the connections to keep pushing forward.”
For Branwen Maden, recording secretary for Local 2699 and a District 6 Women of Steel committee member, attending the conference was about standing up for others.
“It’s about being involved and using my voice for those who can’t advocate for themselves,” she said. As a returning delegate, she described the experience as meaningful, but “too short,” highlighting just how impactful the space has become for many members.
That sense of responsibility and representation was echoed by Diane Medina of Local 862, who has spent over a decade on the District 6 Women of Steel Committee. “I’m here to represent the women in my local who can’t attend,” she said. “I will bring this education back to my local – that’s what this is about.”
Medina pointed to the powerful keynote address by USW International President Roxanne D. Brown as a defining moment of the conference. Brown, the first woman to lead the union, energized the room with her message of resilience and leadership, reminding delegates: “Never let the world try to tell you who it thinks you are.”
Workshops throughout the conference reinforced that message, offering practical tools on topics ranging from bargaining for equity, to mental health and workplace inclusion. For many, these sessions were not just informative, but transformative. “I feel recharged and repowered,” Medina said. “It gives me direction – and a responsibility to go back and create change.”
For first-time attendee Anish Arif of Local 1998, the conference was an eye-opening experience. “I didn’t realize some of the issues women face in other workplaces – even something like access to proper PPE or facilities,” they said. “It showed me that even one person’s issue matters.” Arif also emphasized the importance of inclusive language and learning, sharing how attending a workshop on pronouns gave them tools to foster a more respectful and welcoming environment in their own local.
Throughout the conference, one theme remained constant: solidarity.
“We all have our strengths and weaknesses,” Maden said. “Together, we bring it all together. We can’t do everything alone.”
The idea – being stronger together – was reinforced by District 6 Director Kevon Stewart, who welcomed delegates to Toronto and highlighted the broader importance of the conference to the labour movement.
“Women of Steel are at the heart of our union’s strength,” said Stewart. “The work happening in rooms like this builds confidence and strengthens our movement for the fight ahead.”
Delegates also spoke about mentorship, building networks and creating spaces where vulnerability is seen as strength, not weakness.
For many, the conference reaffirmed why they continue to fight.
“It’s the women in my workplace,” Maden shared. “Some don’t have a voice or feel afraid to use it. That’s what inspires me.”
As the conference came to a close, delegates left not only with new skills and knowledge, but also with a clear sense of purpose: to return to their communities, ready to organize, advocate and lead.
Because, as Brown reminded the room, this is a “New Era.” And it will be built together.
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