Statement by the Prime Minister

"Each year on March 8, women and men around the world mark International Women's Day and the beginning of International Women's Week. This is an occasion for us to reflect on the progress made in advancing women's equality. It is also a time to celebrate the contributions that women make to our individual and collective lives, and to our society, and to assess the challenges that women face today.

For this year's International Women's Day, the Government of Canada has selected the theme ‘Going Strong -- Celebrating Older Women.' This theme is in keeping with 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons, as declared by the United Nations.

It is fitting that we have linked these two special designations. In many cultures, including many of Canada's Aboriginal cultures, older women are revered, regarded as sages and as sources of wisdom. All too often, we overlook their insight and experience, and we forget the contributions that they have made, and continue to make, toward building this country.

In 1999, with half a century of human rights advocacy behind us, attitudes are changing. Let us make a commitment to the elders among us -- both women and men -- that we honour them by ensuring them respect, fairness and equity.

And let us together -- as a nation -- take advantage of International Women's Week to make these same commitments to women of all backgrounds and walks of life. Let us continue to work together to remove all barriers to the full and equal participation of women in Canadian life."

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