SASKATCHEWAN PRAISED FOR LEADERSHIP

Released on September 27, 2001

Saskatchewan was recognized as a leader in violence awareness at a

Federal/Provincial/Territorial Status of Women Minister's meeting in Quebec

City last week.



"I was pleased to showcase Saskatchewan's very own 'Hot Peach' Abuse Help

Lines Page which has encouraged other jurisdictions to look at this

innovative approach," Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Doreen

Hamilton said.



A partnership between SaskTel and the Provincial Association of Transition

Houses of Saskatchewan (PATHS) led to the publication of the 'Hot Peach'

Abuse Help Lines Page, located at the front of all Saskatchewan telephone

books. This page, developed and promoted by Virginia Fisher, Co-ordinator

of PATHS, offers information on what abuse is and where to access help.



"I was also able to join my ministerial colleagues in reaffirming our

commitment to improving women's economic independence and security,"

Hamilton said.



Saskatchewan women's voices were put forward on a number of other issues:

access to employment benefits for non-standard workers, including farm

women; the importance of integrating gender-based analysis in public

policies; developing a set of indicators on violence against women; and

examining high growth sectors of employment in which women are under-

represented.



"Through this meeting, we have a strong forum for sharing initiatives and

addressing critical issues facing women across Canada, which will be of

benefit to Saskatchewan women," Hamilton concluded.



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For more information, contact:



Neena Saxena

Women's Secretariat

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-7012