Thank you, Madam Speaker. Tuesday, March 8, is International Women's Day. Madam Speaker, since this House won't be sitting on that day, I thought I would take a couple of minutes today to highlight the fact that that is an important day for us to celebrate.
Madam Speaker, International Women's Day has been celebrated throughout Europe, Russia and the United States since 1910. It has had its origins in the struggle of women for better wages and working conditions, as well as the right to vote in elections.
There are two symbols representing International Women's Day: red roses; red represents the struggle for economic security and roses the struggle for a better life. Madam Speaker, all Members recently received a rose lapel pin and are asked to wear this pin to demonstrate their support for this important day.
Madam Speaker, this day not only highlights the struggles and achievements but, too, serves as a reminder of the important work still to be done on behalf of women. We must celebrate the achievements of progress for what has been done. In the Northwest Territories we have some shelters, we do have some programs in the struggle against family violence, we do have some day care centres in some communities. Madam Speaker, we do have more women involved in politics and more women have educational job opportunities than was the case in the past. But, we still have a long way to go. There is a lot more change needed.
International Women's Day is a reminder that around the world and in the Northwest Territories, too many women are still living in violent conditions of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, earning less than men earn, and under-represented in politics at all levels. International Women's Day, Madam Speaker, is a reminder that work as women and mothers is not adequately valued, and needs such as child care and child support and shelters are not being adequately met.
Madam Speaker, statistics can tell just how much more needs to be done. Madam Speaker, I would seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement and to give some of those statistics.