OTTAWA - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), today announced the theme Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality for March 8, International Women"s Day (IWD) and International Women's Week (IWW), which runs this year from March 2 to 8, and unveiled the poster celebrating IWD/IWW.
"The theme Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality is beautifully conveyed in the IWD/IWW poster, reflecting our Government"s firm belief that increasing women"s participation and access to leadership roles and opportunities will help women and girls thrive, reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams,”said Minister Guergis. "To build a more prosperous Canada, we need the contributions of all Canadians - women and men, girls and boys alike.”
Each year during IWD/IWW, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation, reflect on the current challenges and consider future steps in achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.
"For Canadians, equality means women and men sharing in the responsibilities and obligations, as well as in the opportunities and rewards, of life and work,”Minister Guergis added. "In Canada, leadership is key across society - from the private sector, to governments, to the general public - for people of all origins, generations and backgrounds to participate fully in our country"s economic, social and democratic life, and ultimately, in improving the state of the world.”
For further information on International Women"s Day and International Women's Week , and to order a poster, visit the website of Status of Women Canada at http://www.iwd.gc.ca.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Nanci Bishay
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839