Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, March 8th, is International Women's Day, part of International Women's Week which is being celebrated this year from March 4th to March 10th. March 8th is a day set aside around the world to highlight accomplishments in women's universal fight for equality, to raise awareness regarding women's issues and to celebrate together the victories and achievements of women.
The theme for this year's International Women's Week is Canadian Women: Raising Our Diverse Voices for Positive Change. This theme highlights the power that can come from women's diverse perspectives when they are raised both individually and collectively. It further acknowledges the influence of women to bring about positive changes locally, territorially and nationally through their paid and unpaid work.
Mr. Speaker, this week provides an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the contributions women have made to improve the quality of life for women and indeed for all Northerners. Women have always played a significant role in the North's social, political, economic and cultural environment. There are countless women in the Northwest Territories who have dedicated hours of service to their communities in order to make positive change. Individually and together with government, business and NGOs, northern women have worked:
- • to strive for the elimination of family violence;
- • to ensure that quality child care is available in as many communities as possible;
- • to involve more women in politics, locally and territorially; and
- • to encourage young women to seek out greater education and career opportunities.
While we have seen positive change, our work is not done. There are still enormous challenges facing women in the North, and indeed around the world. The fact that many women continue to be subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse is unacceptable. Throughout the world, women still earn, on average, less than men. Women remain underrepresented in both elected office and in senior and managerial positions. The majority of single-parent families, almost 80 percent, are headed by women, and the statistics indicate that single-parent families typically face more challenges to their economic and social well-being. These are only a few of the challenges that women face, and it is up to all of us to recognize these challenges and to tackle them head on.
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow many communities in the Northwest Territories will pause to celebrate International Women's Day. In Yellowknife, people are invited to gather in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly to mark the occasion and also to recognize the recipients of this year's Wise Women Awards. Since 1992, the NWT Status of Women Council has sought nominations annually to recognize and honour the many women who serve as role models, especially through their contributions to improving the lives of women and families in the NWT. Consistently, the council receives numerous nominations, an indication of the many worthy and deserving women throughout the NWT, and each year five awards are presented.
As the Legislative Assembly will not be sitting tomorrow, I would like to take this opportunity to commend these very deserving women who have made significant contributions to women's equality and to our quality of life in the NWT. The 2001 NWT Wise Women Awards are going to:
- • Ernestine Gladue of Hay River;
- • Monica Loomis of Norman Wells;
- • Cecilia Martin of Rae;
- • Louise Norwegian of Fort Simpson; and
- • Hazel Nerysoo of Fort McPherson.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that all Members join me in thanking these women for their significant contributions and for being such positive role models. They demonstrate the commitment, dedication and spirit that International Women's Week is intended to celebrate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause