What's New

What's New

International Women's Day at Library and Archives Canada

Ottawa, March 5, 2008 – The LAC Forum on Canadian Democracy, in partnership with Status of Women Canada, is proud to present Strong Women, Strong World, a day of dialogue celebrating International Women's Day. The event is being held on Saturday, March 8, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa.

As Canadians, we are fortunate to have one of the most advanced democracies in the world. Yet women, who make up 52 percent of the population, are significantly under-represented in the governance of our country. They represent only one fifth of our elected politicians. Whether their work involves improving health and child care, advocating for educational and professional opportunities, defending their rights and those of their families, or fighting for a better quality of life in their communities, women are continuing to push for stronger representation at all levels of government.

Strong Women, Strong World explores the role of women in politics, in government and in society. This special event gets under way with a visit of the exhibition Spirit and Intent: Understanding Aboriginal Treaties followed by a panel discussion on Aboriginal Women and Government. Moderated by Clare Beckton from Status of Women Canada, the discussion highlights the issues and challenges Aboriginal women have faced and continue to face in Canadian democratic processes.

Following a screening of the film Towards Equality: A History of Women in Canada in the afternoon, a second panel discussion on Women and Canadian Democracy examines the role of women in creating and sustaining a democracy that reflects Canada's diverse and changing society. Caroline Andrew, Political Science Professor at the University of Ottawa is the moderator for this discussion.

Strong Women, Strong World is open to everyone and admission is free. For more information on the LAC Forum on Canadian Democracy, visit www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/democracy/index-e.html.

The LAC Forum on Canadian Democracy promotes informed civic engagement online and in public by connecting Canadians with historical and contemporary information pertaining to Canada's democratic experience. Status of Women Canada is a federal government organization that promotes the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada. Status of Women Canada works to advance equality for women and to remove the barriers to women's participation in society.

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Information:
Pauline M. Portelance
Senior Media Relations Officer
Library and Archives Canada
819-994-4589 or 613-293-4298

For historical information visit: Archived What's New