In recognition of International Women's Day (March 8), the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is applauding the work of women in this province in the fight for equality and the advancement of important issues facing women.

"In this province, we are witnessing changes in public perception of issues facing women and that is in large part due to the work being done by women in their communities to raise awareness of important issues," said Minister Dunderdale. "International Women's Day is a time for us to collectively celebrate the great strides that have been made in advancing the status of women, including those made in this province, and to determine what future action is needed to address the ongoing challenges faced by women."

International Women's Day was proclaimed in 1977 by the United Nations (UN). This year's theme is Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All. The Provincial Government invests significantly in advancing women's issues, including $400,000 annually to assist the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and $880,000 for the province's eight Status of Women councils. The councils use this funding to bring increased attention to the social, economic, political, legal and cultural issues faced by women.

The Provincial Government has committed $12-million over six years for its Violence Prevention Initiative, which is designed to raise awareness of violence in the province and identify long-term solutions to eliminate violence. As part of the initiative, 10 regional coordinating committees help improve the delivery of violence prevention services across the province. In addition, annual funding of $200,000 is provided to Aboriginal women's groups and organizations to assist with advancing violence prevention against Aboriginal women and children.

The Provincial Government is also taking important steps to advance the participation of women in municipal politics and in the workforce. Through a partnership with the Status of Women councils, a series of information sessions were provided to promote increased female involvement in municipal government. Women's Employment Plans are now a required part of large-scale resource developments, including Hebron, the Hibernia Southern Extension and Vale Inco's commercial hydromet plant in Long Harbour. 　

Significant investments in the areas of apprenticeship, science and technology, programming, training and infrastructure help to support skilled trades training. Funding provided to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Council of Carpenters, Millwrights and Allied Workers is enhancing skills training for females at the post-secondary level and creating employment opportunities for female apprentices in the province.