United Way Perth Huron hosting “Deb Talk” virtual event

(Blackburn News file photo)
By November 5, 2020 1:39pm

The Perth Huron United Way is hosting a virtual Deb Talk event on Friday night.

United Way Executive Director, Ryan Erb, says it’s modelled after Ted Talks.

“The theme for the event is how women have lost thirty years of progress in terms of their involvement in the workforce over the last number months because of COVID-19. And so we have a fantastic speaker who is going to look at this issue and help people understand it,” said Erb.

Erb says Doctor Laura Morlock is a scholar and advocate for gender equity, human rights and religious diversity.

Erb says she’ll point out that because women are the primary caregivers, when children are unable to go to school because they have the sniffles, or anything else that could be a COVID symptom, it’s often the women who have to stay at home.

“They’re often the primary caregivers, so when children are unable to go to school, let’s say right now they get the sniffles and they are unable to meet the COVID test, often it’s women who have to stay at home, or it’s women who are working from home who are interrupted in their work day.”

Erb points out, men are also involved but says COVID-19 has disproportionately affected women.

The event is also a major fund-raiser for the United Way. More information about the event and how to register can be found on the Perth United Way website.