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NLIS 6 February 16, 2004 (Executive Council) Minister proclaims Women�s Institute Week Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Human Resources and Employment, today proclaimed February 15-21 to be Women�s Institute Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year�s theme is Education: A prescription for wellness. "The Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes provide a forum in which women can improve their skills, broaden their interest and become better informed so they may make decisions which will improve the quality of life for themselves, their families, their community and the world," said Minister Burke. "It is this kind of grassroots organization that has empowered women to develop self-confidence and leadership skills." The Women�s Institute was founded in Canada in 1897 and has since grown to become part of a worldwide movement with more than nine and a half million members. The Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institute was founded nearly 70 years ago and has since made outstanding contributions to the well-being of community life through the advancement of their projects, programs and actions. Areas of interest for the Women�s Institute include agriculture, Canadian unity, citizenship, child care, education, environment, equality for women, family violence, health, human rights, pensions, safety, and women and technology. One of their most well-known ventures is Tidy Towns, an award which challenges individuals and community groups to enhance the natural beauty of the towns they live in. Minister Burke will speak on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at the opening ceremonies of Women�s Institute Week February 16 at Government House, hosted by Her Honour Mrs. Eve Roberts. "I encourage all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to recognize the work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes and to support activities which may be taking place in their area," said Minister Burke. Photo #1: Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Human Resources and Employment, has proclaimed February 15-21, 2004 as Women�s Institute Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. Joining her for the proclamation signing were (front) Shirley Fraize, Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes president elect, Juanita Lester, past president, (back) Barbara Taylor, 1st vice president and Jane Laite, St. John�s district representative. Media contact: Kelly Foss, Communications, (709) 729-6225 Proclamation The Women�s Institute was founded in Canada on February 19, 1897, and has since grown to become part of a worldwide movement with some nine and a half million members. In 1935, the Jubilee Guilds were formed in Newfoundland with the aim of improving the quality of life through education, crafts and service. The guilds joined the federal organization in 1968 and became known as the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes. In the 69 years since its founding, the Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of community life through the advancement of their projects, programs and actions. They have continued to provide a non-formal education forum through which women may improve their skills, broaden their interests, and improve the conditions in their homes, their communities and throughout the world through self-fulfillment, service and sociability. I am pleased to proclaim February 15-21, 2004, to be WOMEN�S INSTITUTE WEEK in Newfoundland and Labrador in recognition of the contribution that the Institutes have made to life in our province. I encourage all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to lend their support to this worthwhile organization.
Joan Burke 2004 02 16 1:00 p.m. |
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