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News Releases
March 4, 2002
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY/WEEK
WORKING IN SOLIDARITY: WOMEN, HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEACE
OTTAWA -- Canadians will celebrate International Women's Week from March 3 to 9, 2002, with the highlight being International Women's Day on March 8. The theme for this year's International Women's Day/Week is "Working in Solidarity: Women, Human Rights and Peace."
"This year's theme highlights the need to work together to support women's human rights and to create a global culture of peace rather than a culture of violence," said the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women). "Around the world, women and girls face violations of their human rights in times of armed conflict as well as in times of peace. During International Women's Week, I encourage Canadians to celebrate the gains made by women, as well as to reflect on the challenges faced by all women in Canada and around the world and continually work to enhance women's quality of life."
International Women's Day has its roots in the early 20th century with a movement to improve the lives of girls and women through improved working conditions and the right to vote. Marked annually since 1977, March 8 is recognized as a day to celebrate the rights of women and international peace.
To assist organizations and individuals in preparing activities to mark this special week, Status of Women Canada (SWC) has developed a Poster and an Organizer's Tool Kit. The text of the Organizer's Tool Kit is reproduced on SWC's Web site, at http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/iwd/, along with a Calendar of events indicating the many activities taking place across the country to mark this special week. Copies of the material can also be obtained by contacting SWC, 123 Slater Street, 10th floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1H9; telephone: (613) 995-7835; facsimile: (613) 943-2386; TDD: (613) 996-1322; E-mail: publications@swc-cfc.gc.ca.
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