The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is inviting expressions of interest and nominations from women for positions on the Board of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women (PACSW).

"We want to invite women from across the province to put their names forward for these important positions, or to nominate individuals with a demonstrated leadership ability in women�s issues," said Minister Dunderdale. "The women�s community and the Provincial Advisory Council have always played an important role in addressing women�s issues in this province and I want this opportunity to be open to any interested women who feel they can contribute to the advancement of women."

The Provincial Advisory Council provides advice to the minister and brings attention to important social, political, legal, cultural and economic matters relating to women in Newfoundland and Labrador. The council works with equality-seeking organizations and government departments and agencies to advance women�s equality throughout the province.

"Hundreds of women around the province are involved in issues related to women�s equality. These include graduates from Memorial University�s Women�s Studies program, immigrant and Aboriginal women, women in non-traditional occupations and women working in equality-seeking, grass-roots organizations," said Minister Dunderdale. "This is an exciting opportunity for all these women to come forward for consideration to be part of this important board."

The call for expressions of interest and nominations will be carried in newspapers around the province this weekend. Letters will also be sent to women�s organizations inviting nominations for the board.

Candidates must have demonstrated leadership ability in advancing the status of women and have a history of working on issues of women�s equality. Candidates must also be committed to working within the mandate of the Provincial Advisory Council.

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