The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources:

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was International Women’s Day; a time to celebrate the many achievements that women make each and every day.

This year’s theme, #EachforEqual, called on each of us to reflect on how we will forge a gender equal world.

Our government remains strongly committed to advancing the status of women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue our collaborative approach to violence prevention, improving the economic and social well-being of women and girls through our women’s leadership initiatives, and strengthening gender-based analysis across all work of government.

We applaud the efforts of women’s equality-seeking and anti-violence organizations who work to advance equality for women and girls in our province. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with them.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to have designated days such as International Women’s Day to focus attention on issues of importance, but women’s equality is not a topic for just one day a year. I ask all Honourable members to take time each and every day to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality.

Thank you.