Statement by the Prime Minister
March 7, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario
The following is the text of a statement by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
on the occasion of International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8:
"It was once said that "anonymous was a woman." This simple
statement underscores the tremendous scope and impact of women's contributions to our
daily lives, to our history and to our future. That is why annually on March 8, International
Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated world-wide as the focal point of International Women's
Week.
This is a special time for people everywhere to truly celebrate the countless achievements of
women – especially those often-unsung and unseen accomplishments carried out by ordinary
women, the "anonymous" among us. This is also a time for us to reflect upon the challenges
that still need to be overcome before women reach full equality in our society.
With roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, IWD was borne of a time when women
struggled to gain even the most basic human rights – rights that we take for granted today,
such as the right to vote. In 1977, the United Nations officially sanctioned IWD as a day for
all countries to dedicate to the celebration of the hard-won rights of women and the ongoing
dream of international peace.
The changes that have taken place to improve the status of women have not been achieved in
isolation. These changes are the result of women of vision and resolve, organized and
working together toward common goals, in solidarity – in sisterhood – for the benefit of all
people. Canada's theme for International Women's Day/Week 2000 reflects this shared effort
– "Canadian Women Taking Action to Make a Difference!" This theme highlights the
importance of women's organizations in improving women's standard of living at the local,
regional, national and international levels.
This year, as Canada moves into a new millennium, I urge Canadians everywhere to
celebrate the initiatives and accomplishments of all women, and in particular, of women's
organizations across the country. Inspired by the example of women, let us create a
celebration of International Women's Day that is worthy of the everyday and extraordinary
contributions of women."
- 30 -
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
|
|