Released on March 6, 1998
Saskatchewan women have made significant progress towards equality andeconomic security according to Judy Bradley, minister responsible for
the Status of Women.
"International Women's Day, March 8, is a time to commemorate women's
struggles and reflect on women's achievements," Bradley said. "I am
pleased to say that women have made significant gains in important
areas in recent years."
For example, according to the National Council of Welfare, poverty
among senior women in Saskatchewan has decreased dramatically. In
1980, almost half of Saskatchewan elderly women were poor. By 1995,
the poverty rate for senior women fell to 13 per cent, the lowest rate
in Canada.
"Women-run businesses have become a significant and growing force in
the Canadian economy," Bradley noted. A recent Bank of Montreal
report found that women own or operate about 30 per cent of all
businesses. They provide jobs for more than 1.7 million people - more
than the Canadian Business Top 100 combined.
"Women are making great strides in post-secondary education," Bradley
noted. Statistics Canada figures show that in Saskatchewan in 1993,
57 per cent of all bachelor and professional degrees were granted to
women.
"There are many indicators of women's achievements over the
years," Bradley said. "March 8, International Women's Day, is an
appropriate time to celebrate these accomplishments and renew our
commitment to equality."
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For more information, contact:
Neena Saxena
Women's Secretariat
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-7012