A Strong World Needs Strong Women
By Deb
Matthews
Ontario
Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
March 8 is
International Women’s Day. It is a special day to celebrate the
achievements of women in Ontario and all over the world.
It’s a day to reflect on the many successes we’ve had on the road
towards women’s equality and prosperity – and on the work that still
needs to be done.
Women have
made great strides in acting as role-models in boardrooms, community
centres, academia, and politics.
But we need
to do more.
We know that
there is injustice when there is a gender wage gap. We know there is
inequality when women continue to live with the threat of violence.
Our
government is making systemic changes to break down barriers and create
opportunity.
Through our
Domestic Violence Action Plan, we’ve created programs aimed at
increasing public awareness of woman abuse and improving supports to
victims.
Our Neighbours,
Friends and Families campaign focuses on recognizing the warning signs of
abuse so we all know what to do to help. It is now in over 140 communities
across Ontario. And we’ve launched similar campaigns in francophone and
Aboriginal communities.
Our
communities need to see strong women in leadership roles. Women who are
making a difference. Women who act as role models for our young people.
Role-models
make a big difference. Our government launched the Leading Girls and
Leading Women / Building Communities awards to celebrate Ontario’s women
leaders and achievers.
I encourage
you to contact your local MPP about future nominations.
All of us have women in our lives who have made us who we are - women who
have inspired us to do better, to speak out, or to advocate for change.
This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate these women.
Take a
moment to send a letter to a woman who has made a lasting contribution in
your community - or a woman who has touched your life in a special way.
It could be a teacher, a parent, or perhaps it’s someone you’ve never
even met but that you have always thought of as a strong leader and
mentor. Someone who’s made a difference – and inspired you to make a
difference too.
Let’s take this International Women’s Day to thank a woman for the
lasting contribution she’s made.
Happy International Women’s Day!
