Statement from the Minister of National Defence on International Women’s Day
Statements
March 8, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan today issued the following statement:
“Today, on International Women’s Day, I call on Canada’s Defence Community to commemorate and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women in the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and to help forge a better-working, gender-inclusive environment for all of us.
“The women and men of the CAF and DND lead by example. Our military and civilian Defence Team members are important ambassadors for Canada and for Canadian values, at home and abroad. We all play a critical role in making progress towards a more fair, respectful, and welcoming place for women to work and live. Narrowing the gender gap and bringing more women into the profession of arms and the public service is not a gender issue; it requires everyone’s understanding, awareness, support, and direct action.
“The DND/CAF theme for International Women’s Day this year is ‘Change begins with you. Change begins with all of us.’ For Canada’s military, progressive change began more than 130 years ago, in 1885, when women played a role in resisting the Northwest Rebellion. The CAF was one of the first militaries in the world to allow women to serve in all occupations, and in combat missions. Throughout the history of our nation, Canadian women have continued to initiate and implement positive changes through their military and public service.
“I am proud that Canada is a world leader in terms of opportunities for women in its military. I have seen firsthand the benefits of a diverse force at home and on operations. Think of how inspiring it was for Afghan girls to see Canadian women in uniform leading a combat infantry company, conducting patrols, providing medical care, and having every opportunity open to them to lead and to succeed.
“There is still much to do to encourage more women to join the CAF and to have more women in leadership positions across DND. We have ambitious goals to increase the representation of women in our workforce. Through Operation HONOUR, we are united against sexual harassment and violence in our ranks. We are using Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) to develop policies and procedures that are inclusive and relevant, and every day we are working to ensure that DND and the CAF comprise an environment that fosters respect and inclusion, and encourages success for all.
“As we mark International Women’s Day, I encourage everyone to consider how they can personally promote diversity, inclusion, and respect across the Defence Team.”
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Related Products
- Minister of National Defence Video Message for International Women’s Day
- Backgrounder, Women in the Canadian Armed Forces
- Fact Sheet, Historical Milestones of Women in the Canadian Armed Forces
Associated Links
- International Women’s Day
- #IWD2017
Contacts
Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca