PROVINCE PROCLAIMS RURAL WOMEN'S MONTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

Released on February 27, 2006

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

"Rural women have made, and are making, a major contribution to the success of our province's economic and social development," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "It is important for us to acknowledge the significant impacts they have on the development of health care, education and social services in Saskatchewan."

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

The month will be observed in conjunction with a variety of events held annually throughout March by numerous women's groups in communities across the province. These events are organized in association with the United Nations' International Women's Day (IWD) observed 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 Advisory Committee of the National Farmers' Union, the Whitewood Women's Network of Whitewood, Sask., and the Partners for Rural Family Support of Humboldt, Sask.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306)787-4031	Shirley Wenaas Saskatchewan Women's Institutes Robsart Phone: (306)299-4520
Marilyn Gillis National Farmers Union Wynyard Phone: (306)554-2791	Julie Gregson Partners for Rural Family Support Humboldt Phone: (306)682-4135
Donna Beutler Whitewood Women's Network Whitewood Phone: (306)735-2230