SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Released on March 7, 2001

The provincial government is helping 101 community-based organizations host

International Women's Day (IWD) events around Saskatchewan March 8th.



"One-time grants of $500 have been made available to support women's

organizations in profiling their work to address equality issues, and

increase public awareness about the history and significance of IWD within

their community," Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Doreen

Hamilton said.



"International Women's Day is a time to celebrate women's achievements and

reflect on the challenges that still lie ahead. I encourage the public to

attend events organized around the province."



Activities range from formal celebrations to mark women's achievements

through awards and special recognitions, to workshops on women's issues

such as family violence. Open houses, educational workshops, essay

contests and historical legacies honouring women are a few of the events.

These grants provide opportunities for participants to network, recognize

successes and plan future actions.



This year's theme is Women Celebrating Women and activities will continue

until the end of March. Non-profit community-based groups, whose primary

mandate is to provide services to women and work toward equality for women,

were eligible for the grants. Recipients included groups from Macklin to

Pelican Narrows to Gravelbourg.



For a listing of events for IWD you can access the Women's Secretariat's

web site at www.womensec.gov.sk.ca/Events.html



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For more information, contact:



Neena Saxena

Women's Secretariat

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-2329