Released on March 5, 2015
Each year since 1975, March 8 has been designated by the United Nations as International Women’s Day. This special day is an opportunity to recognize Saskatchewan women and girls who are leaders and role models in their communities. “Influential Women: Agents of Change” is Saskatchewan’s theme for this year’s International Women’s Day.
“Saskatchewan women who are agents of change are passionate about creating opportunities to empower others,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women Donna Harpauer said. “International Women’s Day is an occasion for us to acknowledge the unique perspective that women leaders bring to address economic, social and cultural challenges in their communities. I ask the people of this province to join me in paying tribute to the many women who are contributing to making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Saskatchewan is home to many influential women. A few of note include:
- Sue Barber Q.C., senior partner in law firm MacDougall Gauley LLB and named to the prestigious Women’s Executive Network Canada’s Most Powerful Women, Top 100, Regina;
- Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Lac La Ronge Indian Band and President of Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership, Lac La Ronge;
- Anne Gent, Environmental Scientist, Cameco Corporation, Saskatoon;
- Brianne Theisen-Eaton, track and field heptathlon and pentathlon Olympian, Humboldt; and
- Hayley Wickenheiser: five-time Olympic medalist in women’s hockey, Shaunavon.
The Status of Women Office in the Ministry of Social Services, through an International Women’s Day Grant program, is providing funding support to enable 82 eligible community-based women’s organizations to host events in Saskatchewan communities throughout the month of March. In Saskatchewan, more than 11,000 women have participated in International Women’s Day events from 2007 to 2014. A complete list of the events being sponsored is available on the Status of Women website at http://socialservices.gov.sk.ca/IWD-Events-Calendar2015.
“Our government is pleased to assist community-based women’s organizations in celebrating women’s achievements and helping raise public awareness of International Women’s Day, a key global date for women,” Harpauer said.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca