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."