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March 27, 1997
(Executive Council)


Government Releases Results of Study on the Priorities and Concerns of 
Women in Newfoundland and Labrador

Julie Bettney, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is pleased to release the results of a survey on the priorities and concerns of women in our province. "This survey is the second phase of a three phase project by Women's Policy Office which will assist government in identifying and responding to the concerns of women in this province," said Ms. Bettney.

By far respondents' biggest concern was lack of employment opportunities. Other economic concerns included low paying jobs and trouble with the economy generally. Education and health care ranked second and third respectively. Violence against women, quality of life for children and child care were other concerns which were listed often.

Women were asked to list their concerns according to their different roles as community members, as workers and as women. As community members their concerns centred around employment opportunities for young people, alcohol and drug problems, poverty, and the future of their communities. As working women, their concerns were for child care, opportunities for education and advancement, balancing work and family, and having a voice in decision making. As women living in this province, they expressed concerns about the health and well-being of families, opportunities for employment, personal health, and family finances.

The telephone survey was administered randomly within regions of the province to 757 women over the age of 18. The women surveyed were very interested in participating in this study. "I commend them for their contribution," said Ms. Bettney. "Women put a great deal of time and effort into their responses. This has given government valuable advice about their concerns and their solutions."

The first phase of this three phase project, published in 1996, was a statistical compendium regarding women in the province. The last phase will be a follow-up to the survey, concentrating on practical suggestions which will assist government in the development of a provincial plan for gender equality. Copies of Priorities and Concerns of the Women of Newfoundland & Labrador are available by contacting the Office of the Queen's Printer at (709) 729-3649, Women's Policy Office at (709) 729-5009, or on Government's Internet site at www.gov.nl.ca, under Publications On-Line.

Contact: Cindy Christopher, Public Relations Specialist, Women's Policy Office, (709) 729-5730.

1997 03 27 11:45 a.m

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