News release

Celebrating Women's Achievements; Working for Further Gains

Status of Women

STATUS OF WOMEN--Celebrating Women's Achievements; Working for Further Gains


Nova Scotians across the province will take stock of women's many achievements and assess the challenges still preventing many from achieving equality, as they celebrate International Women's Day, on Monday, March 8.

This year the Advisory Council on the Status of Women is marking International Women's Day with luncheons in Amherst and the Annapolis Valley on Monday and a Celebrating Women concert on Saturday, March 6, in New Glasgow. Premier John Hamm has signed a proclamation to mark celebration of the day.

"Nova Scotia women have made outstanding achievements in all fields -- the arts, science, sport, business, politics, the media," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Status of Women minister. "Women have much to celebrate and we have much to thank women for." They have also made vital contributions in the fields of education, health care and social services.

But even as today's women benefit from the gains of their foremothers -- particularly women in management and the professions -- many others are still in low-wage, precarious employment.

Women continue to earn substantially less than men. They are more likely to work part time and to work in casual or contract work, making them less likely to be eligible for the benefits of full- time employees. They remain under-represented in skilled trades and technology and over-represented in low-paying jobs.

"Our Celebrating Women concert in New Glasgow is to raise funds for Tearmann House, a shelter for abused women and for the Pictou County Women's Centre, a community-based resource centre that helps women and adolescent girls establish social and economic independence," said Doreen Paris, chair of the advisory council. "The luncheon in Amherst and many other events will also donate funds to organizations that help women facing abuse or poverty."

The advisory council works with government departments and community partners to promote fairness, equality and dignity for all women.

International Women's Day has grown in Nova Scotia every year since its inception in 1977. But the day has much earlier roots in the labour movement and the quest for the right to vote. At the end of the 19th century North American and European women were struggling for better working conditions and recognition of their fundamental rights.

In 1977, the United Nations adopted a resolution inviting countries to dedicate one day to celebrate the rights of women and international peace. March 8 became the date of recognition in many countries. This year, in Canada, International Women's Week will be celebrated from March 7 to March 13.