OTTAWA (Ontario) – In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace. Following the United Nations' lead, Canada chose March 8 as International Women's Day.   This year the theme Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World. International Women’s Day (IWD) and International Women's Week (IWW), which runs this year from March 7 to 13, and unveiled the poster celebrating IWD/IWW.

“The theme Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World is 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 Tilly O’Neill Gordon, MP for Miramichi.

“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,” O’Neill Gordon added.  In the Miramichi riding, as well as elsewhere, there are more and more women who are attaining important roles in their workplace, however, we still have a long way to go to achieve Equality, she concluded. “

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.