Minister proclaims International Women�s Day

Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment has proclaimed March 7-13 as International Women�s Week (IWW) in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, the Canadian theme is "She�s on a role!"

"The theme recognizes the work quietly undertaken by women in their communities, their country and around the world," said Minister Burke. "It encourages everyone to remember the Canadian women who have provided shining examples for all citizens and those who continue to work towards gender equality."

The highlight of IWW is International Women�s Day on March 8. Established in 1977 by the United Nations, this special day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to advance women�s equality, to assess the challenges facing women in contemporary society, to consider future steps to enhance the status of women and to celebrate the gains made in these areas.

"Women have always made a great contribution to the social and economic life in Newfoundland and Labrador and March 8th symbolizes women�s struggle for equality in the workforce, at home and in their communities," said Minister Burke. "By joining together, women have addressed issues related to workplace, education and training, childcare, family violence and health. However, true equality for women is still a goal that we continue to strive toward.

"IWW has become an important celebration within the province with events taking place across much of Newfoundland and Labrador this week. I encourage people to participate in the International Women�s Week events over the next few days and to heighten their awareness of these issues."

Photo #1 - Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, has proclaimed March 7-13, 2004 as International Women�s Week. Joining her for the proclamation signing were: (back, left to right) Lisa Zigler, chair of the 2004 IWD Organizing Committee and co-coordinator with the Status of Women Council and Women�s Centre; Joyce Hancock, president of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, (front) Lori Shea, career development facilitator with the Independent Living Resource Centre and Cheryl Bennett, coordinator of the Regional Coordinating Coalition Against Violence � Eastern Avalon.

March 8th has been celebrated as International Women�s Day since 1910. This day was declared at the Second International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen to acknowledge women�s struggles and the inequalities against which women still must fight, and to commemorate the courage and tenacity of women textile workers of New York�s Lower East Side.

Each year on March 8th, millions of women, men and children join in the celebration of International Women�s Day. Therefore, I, Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, do hereby proclaim March 8th as International Women�s Day and encourage all citizens to participate in issues affecting women�s equality.

Media contact: Kelly Foss, Women�s Policy Office (709) 729-6225, cell (709) 727-1252

2004 03 05                                         9:20 a.m.