MONCTON, NB - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Robert Goguen, Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe) and Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Justice, today announced Government of Canada support for a project that will increase the visibility of francophone women in the New Brunswick media.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects like this, which bring concrete results for women and girls, their families and their communities," said Minister Ambrose. "The project we are funding today will help improve the representation of francophone women in Acadian media. In particular, it will target the barriers to the full recognition of women who are leaders in their respective fields."
"The Government of Canada is making a real difference by supporting this project, strengthening the visibility and public awareness of francophone women as outstanding role models and citizens," said Mr. Goguen. "We all know of accomplished women yet we do not often see them highlighted in the media. This innovative project will help to change that."
The Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick is receiving $271,341 in Government of Canada funding for a 36-month project called Les femmes et les médias en Acadie [Women and the Acadian media].
As part of its project, the Regroupement will offer a series of workshops for women who are leaders in their fields, whether they are in academia, or work in community or other types of organizations. It expects to reach more than 170 women. A mentoring component will enable participants to enhance their understanding of the media.
"We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its support for this project, which will increase women's visibility and their voices in Acadian media," said Sylvie Morin, president of the Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick. "This project will also help raise awareness among the region's journalists and provide them with the tools to increase the representation of women in their reporting."
The Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick is a non-profit organization comprised of individual members and community organizations. Its mission is to champion the interests of the francophone women of New Brunswick in all their diversity, and to defend and promote the rights of women, while ensuring their full participation in society.
October 11, 2012 is the first-ever International Day of the Girl. Canadians are encouraged to take an active role in celebrating International Day of the Girl. Activities take place across the country. They can attend these events or organize their own to celebrate the girls and young women in their communities. For more information on International Day of the Girl, please visit www.dayofthegirl.gc.ca.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever.
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Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
