Celebrating International Women�s Day, March 8

International Women�s Day, March 8, will be celebrated by public employees in the Confederation Building with the screening of the acclaimed film The Untold Story of the Suffragists of Newfoundland. Approximately 160 employees will attend this lunch time event.

International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. The film, The Untold Story of the Suffragists of Newfoundland, is about the 35-year effort of women in the province to win the right to vote which was finally granted in 1925. The film, along with a curriculum guide, written and produced by Marion Francis White was distributed to high schools in 2001 to be integrated into the social studies programs in order to highlight an important part of our provincial history.

Sandra Kelly, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women said: "I am overjoyed by the response we have had to our celebration of International Women�s Day. The roots of this day are founded in activism against the inequalities that women face and began at the turn of the 20^th century when groups of women protested the wretched working conditions and wages afforded them in industrial sectors. I encourage all of you to take part in today�s events and those which will be occurring throughout the weekend.

"This year�s International Women�s Day theme - Working in Solidarity: Women, Human Rights and Peace � recognizes the influence and crucial role played by women in seeking social justice on the local, regional, national and international scenes. The theme reinforces the need to work further in solidarity to address the abuse of women�s human rights and replace the global culture of violence with a culture of peace. Much work has and is being done throughout this province to address the issues of violence in our communities. Where there is a need, women have always come together to make a difference in our society.

"On International Women�s Day, I wish to commend the work of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the regional Status of Women�s Councils, the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs, Women�s Institutes and the myriad of other women�s groups who have worked diligently to ensure women�s social and economic equality in our province. They are to be commended for their commitment to women�s rights and for continuing to carry the banner of the first suffragists with determination and vision."

On March 8, Minister Kelly will be taking part in International Women�s Day Celebrations in Grand Falls-Windsor, as guest speaker at a luncheon held in celebration of the day by the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). As well, Dorothy Robbins, Director of Research and Planning, Women�s Policy Office, is being recognized for her contribution as a founding mother of the Labrador West Status of Women Council when she speaks at their 25^th anniversary celebration that same day.

Minister Kelly said: "Through the Women�s Policy Office, the provincial government is committed to continuing to advance the status of women by promoting gender inclusive analysis of the policies and programs developed."

Media contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, (709) 729-1792.

2002 03 07                          4:00 p.m.