INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY -- A TIME TO CELEBRATE WOMEN'S ACHIEVEMENTS

Released on March 6, 1998

Saskatchewan women have made significant progress towards equality and

economic 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