September 4, 2009
STEPHENVILLE, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), today announced support to the Women in Resource Development Committee (WRDC) and the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network, for projects that empower women in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through the project entitled Informing Women about Opportunities in Natural Resource Development, the Women in Resource Development Committee is seeking to increase awareness and enhance opportunities for women to work in non-traditional jobs in the resource development sector.
Through the project entitled Aboriginal Women on the Verge of Rising (Kiskat-pukuwit): Breaking Barriers, Building Strong Minds, the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network is supporting leadership development among Aboriginal women and girls.
"I am proud of our Government's support for these two innovative projects, which will make a real difference in the quality of life in some of the province's most vulnerable communities," said the Minister of State Guergis. "Both of these initiatives offer women a chance to develop their independence, reach their full potential, and meaningfully contribute to their families and their communities."
The Women in Resource Development Committee is receiving $200,000 over 18 months to carry out its project.
The Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network is receiving a supplement of $40,000 to carry out its 14-month, multi-phase project. This is an addition to the $156,507 the group received in 2008 to design a leadership development framework for Aboriginal women in 26 communities, through which participants rediscover their cultural roots, develop self-awareness and take on leadership roles. The Network is now in the reporting stage of the overall project.
The two projects are supported through the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. This Fund is for eligible organizations to carry out projects at the local, regional and national levels.
"WRDC is very pleased to receive this funding, which allows us to reach some 335 women throughout the province," said Ms. Erin Keough, Executive Director of the Women in Resource Development Committee. "Project participants will be able to increase their knowledge of resource development, and enhance their capacity to take on careers in trades and technology in this sector."
"Thanks to this additional funding from the Government of Canada, trained Aboriginal facilitators will provide leadership development and anti-violence workshops in Newfoundland Aboriginal communities," said Ms. Sheila Robinson, President of the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network. "We can also explore possibilities for delivering workshops to Aboriginal communities in Labrador."
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote equality for women, and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Sherine Mansour
Director of 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
