News Releases
February 21, 2000
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - WOMEN TAKING ACTION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Vancouver, British Columbia -- Wednesday, March 8 is International Women's Day (IWD). This is an occasion to reflect on the progress made to advance women's equality and an opportunity to assess the challenges facing women in contemporary society -- in Canada and around the world. The theme for this year's International Women's Day is "Canadian Women taking Action to Make a Difference! ".
Announcing this year's theme, the Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) said, "Women on all continents, often divided by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences come together to celebrate International Women's Day. It is a celebration of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society and social change on an equal footing with men."
This year's theme was chosen to honour the initiatives and actions of women's organizations to fight violence and poverty in Canada, two priority issues for Status of Women Canada and the World March of Women in the Year 2000. The March is a popular education campaign and global mobilization event initiated here in Canada, more specifically, in Québec and that will be launched on March 8, 2000.
"I invite you to take the opportunity on International Women's Day to celebrate women's contributions and reflect on the challenges that remain before women reach full equality in our society," Dr. Fry said, "All of us have a role to play in reaching this goal, and we will all benefit from these efforts."
Background information on International Women's Day is available from the Status of Women Canada Web site http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/iwd/index.html or by contacting Status of Women Canada.
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