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.