Inspirational Leadership Highlighted for Women’s History Month

The Provincial Government is pleased to be joining the rest of the country in acknowledging October as Women’s History Month. This year’s theme, Canadian Women Pioneers: Inspiring change through ongoing leadership, is designed to highlight the history of women’s participation in various non-traditional fields, such as science, natural resources, technology and trades.

“As a government, we continue to be strongly committed to advancing women in leadership and decision-making positions throughout all areas in Newfoundland and Labrador and encouraging all young girls to pursue the various leadership opportunities that exist,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Through gender equity plans for key industrial projects, generous grants for women in skills-trade apprenticeships, and a $31.1 million investment this year alone in a 10-year child care strategy, we are paving the way for women and families to make valuable contributions now and well into the future.”

Newfoundland and Labrador has been working diligently on its women’s employment plans in partnership with local industries. Since 2002, the province has required industry partners to develop women’s employment plans and business access strategies in an effort to not only respond to labour shortages, but to also reduce the historical disadvantages for women in non-traditional sectors. Currently, there are 10 plans that have been completed and a further eight that are in development.

“Our government has focused strategically in recent years on leveraging the strengths of women in business and key leadership positions to help drive our vibrant economy,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “I am pleased that, under the leadership of the province’s first female Premier, Kathy Dunderdale, our government continues to see great progress in advancing women’s contributions to numerous non-traditional fields including trades, technology and science.”

For more than 20 years, Women's History Month has helped empower women and girls by showcasing the vital role they play in communities across Canada, as well as how they have helped shape Canadian history. First proclaimed in 1992 by the Federal Government, Women’s History Month began in recognition of the anniversary of women becoming persons under the law in October 1929.

For more information about Women’s History Month, visit the Status of Women Canada website www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/index-eng.html .

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 2013 10 01             11:50 a.m.