Message from the Minister of Health - International Women’s Day - March 8, 2017

March 8 is International Women's Day

International Women's Day marks the global celebration and recognition of women and international progress towards gender equity. This day honours the many contributions women have historically made and are currently making to our society, while appreciating that there is still much work to be done to advance gender equity.

As Minister of Health, a feminist, a family physician and a mother, I support Canada's theme, Equality Matters, for International Women's Day this year. Even in 2017, we need bold change to establish gender equity and to continue to ensure that women's health and empowerment are a top priority.

Over the past year, our Government has demonstrated its commitment to the physical and mental health of women and girls through various partnerships and government initiatives. For example, we are supporting initiatives that encourage and build strong health, resilience and well-being of mothers and children, provide women with the knowledge they need for a healthy pregnancy, as well as prevent and respond to family violence.

We are working with First Nations and Inuit communities to improve health and wellness through locally based, culturally safe services and supports, such as maternal and child health, child development, nutrition, suicide prevention, mental health and addictions programming. I am also working with partners to help strengthen the participation of Indigenous women in the healthcare workforce in decision-making roles, including supporting training and development of health professionals.

It is important for us to remember that everyone benefits when women and girls are supported in their pursuit of careers in medicine, science and technology. Taking a gender-based approach in research is becoming increasingly important in identifying the unique health needs of women and it's essential that we invest in this type of research if we are to achieve health equality for women.

Today, I encourage you to join me and others across the country in taking action to break down barriers that women and girls face across the world. By using #EqualityMatters, we can showcase how we are working towards a better, more gender-inclusive world.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.