March 8, 2015
March 8th is International Women’s Day. The United Nations’ theme this year is “Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!"—envisioning a world where each woman and girl can exercise her rights and make her own choices. Whether it is to participate in politics, pursue an education, earn an income, or achieve other goals, all women and girls have a right to equality, access to education, and lives free from violence, discrimination, disease and hunger.
Achieving equality for women and girls is an issue that is near and dear to me, and I have been an advocate for women’s rights my entire life. Women and girls have an essential role to play, whether in business, in politics or at home. But tragically, women and girls are often denied this opportunity; too often, women and girls may face legal, cultural, and social barriers that keep them from reaching their full potential and fully contributing to their communities.
I was proud to champion the establishment of an international day to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by girls and help them achieve their tremendous potential – now known around the world as International Day of the Girl. After receiving unanimous support in our House of Commons, the resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly, and we celebrated the first International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2012.
As Minister of Health, I recognize that in order to achieve equality, women need to live free of violence and have access to quality health care services. We also need to ensure that children receive the proper care and nutrition from the moment they are born so they can reach their full potential. Since 2006, our Government has been addressing violence against women and collaborating on initiatives in support of women’s health both here in Canada and around the world.
Family violence is an important public health issue that can have significant and long lasting physical and mental health impacts. In Canada, almost seven out of 10 family violence victims are female and 30% of Canadian women experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetime.
This is why I recently announced an investment of $100 million over 10 years for victims of family violence and child abuse. This investment will promote the physical and mental health of victims of violence through increased support to health professionals and community-based organizations. I was proud to stand with Sheldon Kennedy, a passionate advocate against child abuse, Dr. Harriet MacMillan, Lead Researcher of the Preventing Violence Across the Lifespan Research Network (PreVAiL), Margaret Leslie, Director of Early Intervention at Canadian Mothercraft Society, and Chief Kimberley Greenwood, Chair of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Victims of Crime Committee. Our Government is committed to working with partners to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians, and we will continue to stand up for victims of violence.
On this day, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the women, both past and present, who have made outstanding contributions in health, science, business, politics and other areas. We can draw inspiration from the accomplishments of women throughout history—from the “Famous Five,” a group of Alberta women who worked to expand the political rights of women in Canada, to Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, to the incredible leaders I have the privilege of working with in my role as Health Minister.
Today, on International Women’s Day, please join me in acknowledging how essential it is to further the rights and equal treatment of women and girls in Canada and across the globe. Our Government remains deeply committed to protecting women and girls against violence and supporting their health, safety and equality. We have made incredible strides forward, and we have much to be proud of. We must continue to work together to achieve a better and brighter future for women, girls and all Canadians.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
