March 8 is International Women’s Day. Hon. Janice Sherry, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, encourages all Islanders to join her in taking a moment to acknowledge this significant day.
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.
This past weekend, a celebration of International Women’s Day was held at the Arts Guild in Charlottetown. Ruth Mathiang, now living in Ontario, made a return visit to PEI to perform for the event. Ruth is originally from Sudan, but came to Prince Edward Island in 2001 to attend university. Today, Ruth is one of the rising stars of African music in Toronto. In addition, the evening featured a trivia challenge of women’s history, arts, myths and wisdom. This event was organized by the International Women’s Day Committee, which includes Cooper Institute, Women’s Network P.E.I., the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, CUSO-VSO, P.E.I. Federation of Labour, the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, the P.E.I. Rape and Sexual Assault Centre and the support of the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation and CUPE.
“My congratulations to the organizing committee for a successful event that celebrates International Women’s Day,” says Minister Sherry. “March 8 is a day when women across Canada and the globe come together to celebrate the achievements that have been made, and to reflect on what more needs to be done.”
Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day is Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World. This theme reflects that increasing women’s participation and access to leadership roles and opportunities will help women and girls thrive, reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams, and help build a more prosperous Canada.