In recognition of International Women’s Day, three new members have been named to the Prince Edward Island Advisory Council on the Status of Women, says Valerie E. Docherty, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.
“The Advisory Council is made up of nine women who support women’s full and active participation in social, legal, cultural, economic and political spheres of life, regardless of race, religion, wealth or ability,” said Minister Docherty.
“The important work they do and the informed advice they give government guides policy making and strengthens gender equality in Prince Edward Island. I welcome these new members and look forward to working with them.”
Mari Basiletti of Canoe Cove, Melissa Mullen of Lewes and Patti J. Wheatley of Charlottetown have been appointed to the Advisory Council for a three-year term.
Kelly Robinson replaces Gwyn Davies as Vice-Chairperson for the balance of her term. Outgoing Council members, Gwyn Davies, Sue Connolly and Pauline Thomson, were outstanding in their five-year terms, said Advisory Council Executive Director Jane Ledwell.
“We will miss their wisdom. We are very pleased that such exceptional new Council members have been appointed to make new contributions from their wisdom. We continue to be impressed with the caliber of appointees to the Advisory Council,” said Ledwell. “It signals a real commitment to hearing policy advice and public education to support true gender equality in P.E.I.”
March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD) and is recognized worldwide each year as an opportunity to take stock of the progress towards gender equality and to honour the contributions women have made and are making – both in Canada and around the world.
“I encourage Islanders to take a moment today to reflect on gender equality – how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go. Women are still not present equally in leadership positions in business or politics, and violence against women continues to be an issue in our society,” said the minister.
To celebrate International Women’s Day locally, a committee of community organizations is offering an accessible evening event. Women and their families are invited to join in marking the achievements of women and to continue to advocate for change.
The evening will begin with a reception at 5 p.m. at St. Peter’s Hall, corner of Fitzroy and Rochford. Refreshments will be offered before a viewing of an international video clip from 1 Billion Rising (onebillionrising.org), and a collective singing of Bread and Roses led by Jolee Pataki. People will be invited to speak to the question, “What does International Women’s Day mean to you?” and record their responses on videotape. At 6 p.m., the film Status Quo?: The Unfinished Business of Feminism in Canada will be shown, followed by comments and discussion.
For more information about the Advisory Council on the Status of Women visit www.gov.pe.ca/acsw.
For more information, contact IWD committee member Michelle Jay at 368-4510.