Minister proclaims International Women�s Week

Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Education, has proclaimed March 6-12, 2006, International Women�s Week (IWW) in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, the Canadian theme is "Beyond Laws: The Right to Be Me."

"2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The IWW theme this year recognizes that despite this international treaty, there is still a lot of work to be done to move women�s rights forward," said Minister Burke. "This week is an important time for all of us to recognize that to achieve equality words need to be put into action."

The highlight of IWW is International Women�s Day on March 8. Established in 1977 by the United Nations, this 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 continue to seek a better life for their families and communities," said Minister Burke. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to continuing to work towards achieving social and economic equality."

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

Proclamation
International Women�s Day

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.

Photo #1:  Joan Burke, Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, has proclaimed March 6-12, 2006 as International Women�s Week. Joining her for the proclamation signing were members of the 2006 International Women�s Day Planning Committee: (back, left to right) Linda Ross, Jennifer Mercer, Karen Miller, (front left to right) Gemma Hickey, Minister Burke, and Lisa Zigler.

Media contact: Catherine Whelan, Women�s Policy Office (709) 729-6225

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