Executive Council
September 16, 2016

Building Partnerships for Strong Communities

Status of Women Ministers Address Key Issues Affecting Women

Ending violence against women and girls, reducing the gender wage gap, and enhancing the use of Gender-based Analysis in decision-making, were among the key issues discussed on September 14-15 as federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for the status of women met in Edmonton. The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board represented the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at the meeting.

“Building strong partnerships with jurisdictions across the country is essential to addressing the key issues affecting women and girls in all aspects of life. As this is Sexual Violence Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador, the FPT meeting was a strong reminder that it is all of our responsibility to address issues facing women and girls. I am pleased with the outcomes of the meeting and look forward to continued dialogue with my colleagues on these important topics.”
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Ministers shared updates based on their respective actions to reduce and prevent gender-based violence, including violence against Indigenous women and girls. The Federal Government, provinces and territories agreed to identify further opportunities for alignment among existing provincial/territorial strategies addressing violence against women and girls. Presentations from experts will help ministers to build upon the promotion of women in leadership positions, and increasing women’s representation in science, technology, engineering and math fields as well as in the skilled trades.

“We will continue to work together with partners across the country and here at home to raise awareness and identify solutions so that all residents can feel safe and secure in their communities, homes and work environments.”
- Minister Bennett

Sexual Violence awareness week ran from Monday, September 12 to Friday, September 16. The final event of the week is the Take Back the Night march - an annual event organized by supporters for survivors from marginalized genders. The march begins at Bannerman Park on Friday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. and ends with a public rally and candlelight vigil at St. John’s City Hall.

QUICK FACTS

• Ending violence against women and girls, reducing the gender wage gap, and enhancing the use of Gender-based Analysis in decision-making, were among the key issues discussed at the FPT meeting of Status of Women Ministers.
• Building strong partnerships with jurisdictions across the country is essential to addressing the key issues affecting women and girls in all aspects of life.
• The Federal Government, provinces and territories agreed to identify further opportunities for alignment among existing provincial/territorial strategies addressing violence against women and girls.
• As part of Sexual Violence Awareness Week, the ‘Take Back the Night’ march – an annual march to raise awareness of issues relating to gender inequality and sexual violence – takes place at Bannerman Park on Friday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. and ends with a public rally and candlelight vigil at St. John’s City Hall.

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2016 09 16                              12:40 p.m.