Executive Council
March 08, 2017
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women:
Provincial Government Recognizes International Women’s Day
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize International Women’s Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s national theme is Equality Matters and is a day to recognize women’s achievements and acknowledge the challenges they continue to face in trying to achieve gender equality.
Throughout this week, women in our province and around the world celebrate women’s accomplishments, while also recognizing areas that need additional action in order to achieve gender equality in our society. Mr. Speaker, in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, women’s organizations, community groups, unions and business organizations will be hosting a wide range of events to highlight the work and accomplishments of women. These events give everyone, not just women, a platform to inspire, empower and motivate others to become involved and make a difference.
Mr. Speaker, on International Women’s Day, I encourage all members to reflect on the courage and determination of the women of our province who fought and won the right to vote and run for political office. We can imagine the day Lady Helena Squires entered the chamber and took her seat as the first woman elected to the House of Assembly. These women paved the way for the women in this House today and also paved the way for all women and girls in our province. On International Women’s Day, let us celebrate and honour that legacy.
We all have a duty as elected members to continue to advance the status of women in our province by mentoring women and girls in our districts, by championing women in leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of women and men throughout our province on this International Women’s Day, and more importantly every single day of the year to advocate, be heard, stand up and defend the rights of women and ask them to continue to be bold for change. Together we can create greater gender equality in our province and across this country.
2017 03 08 2:20 p.m.