March 8, 2011 is the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day and Islanders are encouraged to recognize this significant event, says Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Janice Sherry.
“For one hundred years, people all over the world have come together to celebrate advancements in support of women, while reflecting on what more needs to be done,” said Minister Sherry. “I want to congratulate organizers for all the events taking place across Prince Edward Island to celebrate this important day.”
Among the many events organized in Island communities are art shows, potlucks and workshops; for more information on these events, visit www.gov.pe.ca/intlwomensday2011.
The celebration taking place at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre is sold out and has almost 200 people on the waiting list. The event includes local entertainment, speakers and door prizes, and was organized by an International Women’s Day Committee, with the work being led by the East Prince Women’s Information Centre (EPWIC). Funding for the event was provided by a number of contributors, including the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat.
“We are so happy to have such an overwhelming response for our event,” said Andy Lou Somers, Executive Director, EPWIC. “It is so inspiring for women, men, children and families to have this day to come together to recognize the plight of women worldwide.”
In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as International Women’s Day.
Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2011 is Girls’ Rights Matter – focussing on the importance of equality and access to opportunity for all girls and women throughout their lives. This theme encourages us to reflect on the situation of girls in Canada, and to look beyond women’s relative privilege domestically, to the international context. This theme also connects to the United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.