Minister proclaims International Women�s Day

March 8 is International Women�s Day, a day when people all over the world come together to commemorate women�s struggle for justice and equality, as well as a better life for themselves and their families. It began with a recognition of women�s fight for better working conditions and fundamental rights, including the right to vote. It is a day to highlight progress, celebrate gains and focus on next steps in attaining women�s equality.

Yvonne Jones, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, met with community representatives on Wednesday to proclaim International Women�s Day. To recognize the importance of this day, the minister will also be participating in events on Friday, at the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women to launch their new publication "Feminism: Our Basis of Unity", and on Saturday, at the Women�s Network Dinner where Sister Elizabeth Davis will be the guest speaker. In Newfoundland and Labrador, International Women�s Day will be celebrated throughout the province as equality-seeking women�s organizations honour their own and women reflect on what has been accomplished in advancing the status of women and the work that remains.

The Canadian theme for International Women�s Day is World Wide Women (WWW): Surfing the Digital Revolution. Information and communication technologies provide the means to enhance interaction between its citizens. Minister Jones stated, "Women in Newfoundland and Labrador have found ways to communicate and work together long before the emergence of these new technologies. However, they provide excellent tools which can be used by women�s groups to increase awareness on issues, share experiences and reach those who have been isolated. This is particularly important in a province with so many rural areas. These technologies also enable us to communicate locally, nationally and internationally very quickly, giving us a broader perspective on the issues impacting women world-wide and enabling us to learn from, and support, each others� efforts."

Through the Women�s Policy Office, government seeks to advance the status of women by implementing gender inclusive analysis of policies in order to identify and address issues affecting women. Government also provides funding to an arms-length Provincial Advisory Council and eight Women�s Centres operated by regional Status of Women Councils to ensure women have a voice in the decisions that affect them and their communities. "As we celebrate International Women�s Day, I want to acknowledge the commitment of these Councils as well as many other equality seeking groups in this province who provide needed services and advocate on issues of importance to women. I also want to acknowledge the work of women in advancing economic development in our province and nurturing the social fabric of our communities. We celebrate them all today," said Minister Jones.

Minister Jones also noted, "While we have made strides in this province, there are still a number of issues affecting women�s equality which need to be addressed including ensuring their access to employment in growth areas and childcare, as well as reducing violence. I encourage people to participate in the International Women�s Day events over the next few days and to heighten their awareness of these issues."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications (709) 729-3733.

2003 03 06                                        12:55 p.m.