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Executive Council
March 6, 2009

Minister Proclaims International Women�s Day 2009

Women in Newfoundland and Labrador are joining women around the world Sunday, March 8, to celebrate their accomplishments and raise awareness around the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion during International Women�s Day.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is home to thousands of strong female leaders who work tirelessly every day toward eliminating the inequalities that still exist in our society," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "Women have come a long way in the fight for equality, but a lot of work remains to be done. International Women�s Day is an opportunity to recognize and reflect on what women have accomplished and what we are still striving to achieve."

The Provincial Government is investing in advancing the social and economic status of women with annual funding of $840,000 to the eight Status of Women councils around the province. The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women also receives $402,500 annually to provide advice to the minister and bring attention to social, political, legal, cultural and economic matters relating to women in the province.

"These organizations do outstanding and important work to overcome the boundaries women face everyday in their communities and workplaces," said Minister Dunderdale. "We recognize that women�s needs and issues differ depending on cultural background, which is why we provide ongoing support to the Multicultural Women�s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as lead our own initiatives to tackle issues faced by Aboriginal women."

In 1977, the United Nations (UN) called on its member countries to proclaim a day recognizing women�s rights. Canada chose March 8 as International Women�s Day. Each year on this day, women in Canada celebrate the progress that has been made, reflect on the challenges that remain and consider future steps to achieving equality for all women.

"I encourage everyone in this province � women and men � to celebrate International Women�s Day and to use it as a time to think about what needs to be done to address issues of violence against women, the wage gap, and increasing the number of women in non-traditional occupations and positions of leadership," said Minister Dunderdale.

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Photo: The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is joined by members of the 2009 International Women�s Day Planning Committee to proclaim March 8, 2009 as International Women�s Day.

Media contact:

Erin Molloy
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
erinmolloy@gov.nl.ca

2009 04 06                                                   11:30 a.m.
 


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