International Women�s Week Seeks Real Results to End Violence

Women everywhere will work to raise awareness and draw attention to the importance of ending violence during International Women�s Week, March 4 � 10. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, proclaimed International Women�s Week (IWD) in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year�s theme is Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results.

�Women continue to be the victims of the majority of violent incidents around the globe,� said Minister Burke. �It is critical that we seize every opportunity to speak about this issue and take steps to end violence. I am pleased to see such a relevant and important theme chosen for this year�s event.�
Minister Burke is the lead minister for the provincial government�s Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), a six-year, $7.2 million investment by government to reduce violence in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Initiative brings together eight government departments and over 20 community organizations to work together to create a province free from violence.

Through the VPI, funding and support is provided to a number of organizations across the province, including 10 regional coordinating committees, Aboriginal organizations, the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Center. In addition to the VPI, government provides funding for an annual Aboriginal Women�s Conference, grants to eight women�s centers and supports the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women which provides direct advice to help government advance the social and economic status of women.

The highlight of International Women�s Week 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 still facing women, and to consider future steps to enhance the status of women.

�International Women�s Day has become an important celebration with a number of events taking place throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage people to participate and more importantly, to take actions in their everyday lives to end violence," said Minister Burke.

Minister Burke will be in Port aux Basques on March 6 to attend an International Women�s Day Bread and Roses dinner hosted by the Gateway Women�s Council. On March 8, the minister will be in Labrador City to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Labrador West Status of Women�s Council.

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Photo #1: The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Education was joined by members of the 2007 International Women�s Day Planning Committee to proclaim March 8, 2007 International Women�s Day: (back, left to right) Linda Ross, Gemma Schlamp-Hickey. (front, left to right) Lisa Zigler, Minister Joan Burke.

Media contact:
Michelle Hynes
Communications and Policy Research Analyst
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-2125
michellehynes@gov.nl.ca

2007 03 05                                                       10:35 a.m.