PROVINCE PROCLAIMS RURAL WOMEN'S MONTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

Released on February 24, 2005

The month of March has been proclaimed as Rural Women's Month in Saskatchewan.

"Rural women have always served as volunteers and leaders in their communities and, in many cases, are also one-half of most of the farm operations in the province," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "We are all indebted to the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Saskatchewan's rural women in building our province."

Celebrations throughout the month will recognize the contribution of rural women to the province and will raise awareness and appreciation of the role of rural women in Saskatchewan in the present and in the past.

"Rural women make a major contribution to the success of Saskatchewan's "economic and social development," Deputy Premier and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said. "It is appropriate in our centennial year to acknowledge the significant impacts rural women have on the development of health care, education and social services in Saskatchewan."

The month will be observed in conjunction with a variety of events held annually throughout March by numerous rural women's groups in communities across the province. These events are organized in association with the United Nation's International Women's Day (IWD) held annually on March 8th. Saskatchewan IWD events are supported through an annual grant program funded by the Status of Women Office of Saskatchewan Labour.

The proclamation of Rural Women's Month is the result of requests by the Saskatchewan Women's Institutes (SWI), the Women's President of the National Farmers' Union, the Whitewood Women's Network of Whitewood, Sask., and the Partners for Rural Family Support of Humboldt, Sask.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Trish Alcorn Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-5389	Virginia Kreklevich Saskatchewan Women's Institutes Foam Lake Phone: (306)272-4191
Karen Pedersen National Farmers Union Cut Knife Phone: (306)398-2795	Julie Gregson Partners for Rural Family Support Humboldt Phone: (306)682-4135
Monica Buddecke Whitewood Women's Network Whitewood Phone: (306)735-2270