News release

Nova Scotia Recognizes International Women's Day

Status of Women

Nova Scotia joins others around the globe today, March 8, recognizing International Women's Day and the role it plays in shining a light on women's issues.

"Today is an occasion to reflect on the women in our lives and in our communities, and on the progress that's been made on women's issues here and around the world," said Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "The province continues to enhance its range of policies and programs to help all Nova Scotia women, whether they work within, or outside, of the home."

Over the past several years, the province has introduced a number of measures that support women to enter, and stay, in the workforce.

Government-sponsored programs such as Women Unlimited and Techsploration give women and girls information and tools to access trades and non-traditional roles.

For the first time, Halifax will host CCWESTT (May 3-5), a national conference focused on increasing the number of women working in science, engineering, trades and technology. The conference will celebrate the contributions women have made to these fields, and provide women and employers an opportunity to work together to continue breaking down barriers.

Introduced in 2009, the Bread and Roses Bursary has helped lighten the financial burden for more than 50 women studying sciences, trades and technology at the Nova Scotia Community College.

"It was an honour to receive the Bread and Roses Bursary," said Jennifer Ripley, a NSCC environmental engineering student. "This bursary meant so much to me, not only financially as a single parent, but also because it allows me to continue my training and education and pursue a satisfying career path."

The province has also added 1,200 child care spaces and 1,500 child care subsidies since 2009. Access to affordable, quality child care can make the difference many women need to attend school or go to work.

The province is also committed to ensuring the inclusion, well-being, and independence of aging women in Nova Scotia.

"Nova Scotia has an aging population with diverse needs," said Ms. More. "The province is making life better for seniors by ensuring those who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement get a full refund of any provincial tax they pay, and improving support for seniors living at home, so they can stay in their communities longer."

The Advisory Council on the Status of Women also collaborates with government and community partners to address a range of issues affecting women in Nova Scotia, such as domestic violence.

The province's Domestic Violence Action Plan is building stronger, safer communities by preventing and reducing domestic violence and offering better services for victims and offenders.

As part of that plan, the province will launch Nova Scotia's first domestic violence court program this spring. The specialized court will help keep victims and their children safe and offer offenders an opportunity to change their behaviour and stop the cycle of abuse.

"International Women's Day reinforces the importance of a continued focus on issues affecting the lives of all women," said Stephanie MacInnis-Langley, executive director of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "In spite of the progress we have made, women are more likely to be victims of violence. As a community, we all have a shared responsibility to make sure people are safe from domestic violence. The domestic violence action plan sends that message, loud and clear."

There are many events being held across the province to commemorate International Women's Day, including a Girls 2012 Conference at Mount Saint Vincent University today and Friday, with support from the advisory council.