Released on March 4, 2016
Each year since 1975, March 8 has been designated by the United Nations as International Women’s Day. This day is an opportunity to recognize Saskatchewan women and girls who are leaders and role models in their communities. Resilience: The Strength of Women Living with Disability is Saskatchewan’s theme for this year’s International Women’s Day.“Women living with disabilities personify resilience in communities throughout Saskatchewan,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women Donna Harpauer said. “These role models and leaders are strong, determined, and courageous in the face of physical, environmental, social and cultural challenges. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements throughout the world, including the many women who have contributed to the success of this great province.”
March 14 marks the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote in Saskatchewan.
In January 1916, Manitoba women were the first in Canada to gain the right to vote in provincial elections. Saskatchewan women gained the right to vote in March 1916, followed by Alberta in April 1916.
“The history of women’s right to vote is important,” Harpauer said. “These women faced many adversities in their movement to enfranchise Canadian women. Today in Saskatchewan, women constitute 51 per cent of the population and bring their own unique perspectives to decision-making and dialogues on social, economic, political, and public policy issues. Like those who came before them, Saskatchewan women helped shape our province to become what it is today, and will continue to keep Saskatchewan strong and moving forward.”
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca