Premier Dunderdale and Minister Johnson Proclaim International Women’s Day

Today commemorates the 101st anniversary of International Women’s Day, which is a day women in Canada celebrate progress made, reflect on challenges remaining, and consider future steps to achieve equality for all women. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, as well as representatives from groups committed to advancing the status of women, to officially proclaim March 8 as International Women’s Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our province is home to thousands of strong female leaders who work tirelessly every day toward eliminating the inequalities that still exist in our society,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Women have come a long way in the fight for equality, but a lot of work still needs to be done. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to acknowledge what women have accomplished and what we are still striving to achieve.”

International Women’s Day was first recognized in some European countries in 1911. In 1977, the United Nations called on its member countries to proclaim a day recognizing women’s rights and Canada selected March 8 as International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is Strong Women, Strong Canada – Women in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities: Key to Canada’s Economic Prosperity.

“I encourage all women in Newfoundland and Labrador to celebrate their accomplishments and raise awareness about the ongoing fight for equality,” said Minister Johnson. “This year’s theme allows us to celebrate the economic contributions of women in our rural communities. For instance, 56 per cent of all women-owned businesses are located in rural regions throughout this province. Our government remains committed to increasing this number in order to provide women with greater social and economic independence.”

The Provincial Government invests significantly in advancing women’s issues, including $451,000 annually to assist the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and $926,000 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.

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Photo:  Joined by representatives of groups committed to advancing the status of women in the province, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, proclaimed March 8 as International Women’s Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.

(Back Row, Left to Right: Karen Thompson, Heather MacLellan, Michelle Smith, Ashley Kapoor, Karen White, Lynn Moore, Gillian Spurrell, Jessica Gallant, Sarah Flynn, Angela Crockwell, Ewa Cichewicz Middle Row, Left to Right: Leisha Sagan, Linda Ross, Mimi Sherriff, Nena Abundo, Myrtle Banfield, Leslie Macleod, Yamuna Kutty, Charmaine Davidge, Karen White, Paula Sheppard, Belinda Webb. Front Row, Left to Right: the Honourable Charlene Johnson, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale)

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