Statement by Minister Broten on International Women's Day‏

Statement March 8, 2013 Today, Laurel Broten, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, released the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day: “Today is International Women’s Day. This is a time to celebrate the achievements – and the leadership – of women here in Ontario and around the world. In Ontario, we are marking two important milestones for women this year – the 30th anniversary of the Ontario Women’s Directorate and Ontario’s first female premier. Both speak to the continual evolution in the role of women in Ontario society. As Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, I met with the female consuls general from around the world yesterday to talk about what we can learn from each other in the global effort to end violence against women. And today, I have the honour of celebrating women’s achievements with the Federation of Muslim Women and OASIS Centre des Femmes. This year, the United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day is ‘A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.’ This is a promise I intend to keep. When we all work together as women and men, we create a safe and fair society and build strong communities, full of opportunity for women in Ontario and around the world.”

CONTACTS André Ghione Minister’s Office 416-212-6050 Laura Sylvis Communications 416-314-7010 Ontario Women’s Directorate ontario.ca/women