The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 8 as International Women’s Day.

On this day, we celebrate the achievements, strength, and enduring resilience of the women who have shaped both our history and our province. From the courageous suffragists who secured the right to vote a century ago, to the innovators, educators, caregivers, entrepreneurs and leaders who continue to drive progress today, we honour their contributions and the path they have forged for future generations.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is Give to Gain – and it calls on all of us to champion gender equality, recognizing that when women and girls thrive, communities and economies grow stronger.

As we near the conclusion of the 100th anniversary of women achieving the right to vote and hold public office on April 3, I want to recognize the remarkable women who serve in this very legislature. Your leadership, dedication, and example continue to open doors and inspire future generations of women and girls throughout our province.

Speaker, we will continue to rise. We will continue to inspire, and we will continue to break every barrier that remains, because dignity, respect, opportunity, and empowerment must belong to every woman and every girl in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Speaker.