Justice and Public Safety
March 8, 2016
The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission:
Human Rights Commission Recognizes and Celebrates International Women’s Day
The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission recognizes International Women’s Day, celebrated annually March 8 to commemorate the struggle for women's equality.
Each year, thousands of events happen around the world to celebrate human rights milestones for gender equality, and to draw attention to gaps that continue to exist. In Newfoundland and Labrador, individuals and organizations have been leading efforts to support the creation of violence and discrimination-free workplaces, communities, and a province where women can pursue their ambitions to their fullest potential.
“As we celebrate International Women's Day, it is important to recognize the need to foster greater respect for and understanding of gender equality in our everyday lives. Being a woman should not be grounds for discrimination, and yet, we continue to see instances of gender-based discrimination in human rights complaints, especially in the area of employment. Gender equality is not about political correctness or passing trends – it is the expected outcome of tireless efforts to be recognized as equally deserving of respect, dignity, and protection.”
- Remzi Cej, Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
This year’s International Women's Day theme in Canada is “Women’s Empowerment leads to Equality.” Empowerment is essential to gender equality. Women and girls who are empowered are better equipped to fulfill their potential and contribute their best to society. Some examples of empowerment are:
- Having access to education;
- Getting involved in your community;
- Becoming financially independent;
- Understanding your right to live free from violence, and
- Knowing how government works and exercising your democratic rights.
Tag a woman who inspires you using the hashtag #YouAreEmpowerment 
The Human Rights Commission conducts public education and training sessions in order to make the public aware of their respective human rights and responsibilities. The commission offers training sessions to organizations upon request and also provides guidelines on its website for topics of public interest. The Human Rights Commission can be contacted at 729-2709 or humanrights@gov.nl.ca to arrange an information session. Or follow us on Twitter @nlhumanrights.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Remzi Cej
Chair, Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-2709, 800-563-5808
humanrights@gov.nl.ca
2016 03 08 10:45 a.m.