INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATING THE GAINS WOMEN HAVE MADE

Released on March 1, 1999

Saskatchewan women are gaining ground on issues impacting the equality

of women, noted Joanne Crofford, minister responsible for the Status

of Women.



"People around the world will be celebrating women's achievements on

March 8, International Women's Day," Crofford said. "In Saskatchewan,

women have made significant gains in many areas."



The Women's Organizations On Line program, for example, has helped

ensure that Saskatchewan women and women's organizations are on the

leading edge of the new technologies by providing grants to purchase

computer hardware, Internet connections and software and receive

Internet training.



"Ninety-one organizations, in communities such as Black Lake in the

north to Willow Bunch in the south, have received grants," Crofford

said. "Most of these organizations serve a rural membership; and many

also serve women with disabilities, First Nations women, Metis women

and immigrant and visible minority women. Internet access and

training will help break down the barriers of geographic or social

isolation and strengthen the ability of organizations to carry out the

important work they do.



"We have much to celebrate on this International Women's Day I

encourage everyone to attend events and activities being held

around the province. The gains women have made will help

position us as leaders in the new millennium. The Saskatchewan

government will continue to work with organizations, individuals

and communities to achieve full equality for women," Crofford

said.



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For more information, contact:

Neena Saxena

Women's Secretariat

Regina

Phone: (306)787-7012





International Women's Day Events



Saskatoon



Friday, March 5 -- Honouring Our Grandmothers: A Discussion on Older Women in Saskatchewan (celebration of IWD and International Year of Older Persons). Video and discussion 7 p.m. at the YWCA, 510 25th Street East.



Saturday, March 6 -- Recovering Women's Spirit: Reflection and Connection; a circle including storytelling and discussion will focus on the last 100 years, and what it means to be a woman today (8:30 a.m. to noon). In the afternoon an artisan and information fair will be held 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the YWCA.



Sunday, March 7 International Women's Day Brunch sponsored by the Women's Studies Research Unit and the Department of Women's and Gender Studies. It will be held at the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with speaker Dr. Roma Harris and entertainment for children. $15 faculty/$10 sessionals and students/$6 children.



March 8 to 14 -- First Annual Women's Festival at the Capri-Place (2nd Ave and 20th Street). $5 for a gallery launch (7:30 p.m.) and show preview (8:30 p.m.). There will be art, music, poetry readings, theatre (Brenda Baker, Kelly Jo Burke, etc).



Please note that the above are subject to change and that other events may arise.







International Women's Day Events



Regina



March 1 -- Jeanne Martinson of Martrain Corporate and Personal Development will present "The History of Women in Saskatchewan" at the Central Library, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.





March 2 --The Regina Public Library and the Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation will present "Modern Slaves: Women and Children" to discuss women's role in agriculture at the Central Library, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.





Saturday March 6 -- the Regina Women's Community Centre & Sexual Assault Line and the Saskatchewan Action Committee on the Status of Women will hold an entertainment night at 8 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Hall (15th and Montague). Food will be provided by Daughters of Africa. Cost is $10 ($5 for lower-income).





The Minister Responsible for the Status of Women will be a guest speaker at a breakfast for the Institute of Public Administrators of Canada (IPAC), 7:30 9:00 a.m. on March 8th, in the Oak Room, Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza.





March 8 Saskatchewan Action Committee, Status of Women and the YWCA are co-sponsoring a viewing of the UN videoconference on Family Violence at the YWCA Internet Depot, 1940 McIntyre Street, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saskatchewan Action Committee's Open House will follow the news conference.





March 8 -- University of Regina Women's Centre will have entertainment and food in the multipurpose room at the Student's Union Building, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.





Please note that the above are subject to change and that other events may arise.