The following is the text of a statement by the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, on the occasion of International Women's Week, March 4 to 10, highlighted by International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8.
Each year on March 8, people around the world observe International Women's Day, celebrating women as community members, leaders and makers of history. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations designation of March 8 as IWD.
Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results is Canada's IWD theme for 2007. It reflects the tough reality that even after 30 years of celebrating IWD around the world, violence against women remains an issue, both domestically and on the international front.
Canada's New Government is committed to ensuring women's full participation in the economic, social and cultural life of the country. We recognize that when women and girls live under the threat of violence, we are all affected.
This year's IWD theme underscores the need to address violence against women, and Canada's New Government is taking action for real results. For example, we have introduced legislation to allow for more effective sentencing and management of sexual and violent offenders. We are supporting the Native Women's Association of Canada's "Sisters in Spirit" campaign, which addresses the high rates of racialized, sexualized violence against Aboriginal women. And through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, we support various organizations in addressing the causes and effects of violence against women.
May this special day and week cause us to reflect on the progress made and to consider future steps in ending violence against women.
