For Immediate Release
March 8, 2007

Elliott: Celebrate achievements, focus on crucial work ahead

(Queen’s Park) – On behalf of the Progressive Conservative Caucus, Christine Elliott, Whitby-Ajax MPP and Women’s Issues Critic, made the following statement on International Women’s Day 2007:

“This year, the world marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations declaration of International Women’s Day, an occasion to celebrate the varied and many achievements of women in their communities, as political, scientific and business leaders.

“It is also a day to reflect on the crucial work to be done for our fellow mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts, in countries where women are not only discriminated against, but raped, tortured and abused.  This year, the theme of Women’s Day is ‘Ending Violence against Women:  Action for Real Results.’  This theme recognizes that when women live under the threat of violence and in violent contexts, we are all affected and, at the same time, we are all diminished.

“I commend Governor-General Michaëlle Jean for visiting Afghanistan today, a country where it is reported that 1 in 3 women are forced to engage in sexual activity or are otherwise brutally abused, often by their husbands.  This is a humanitarian crisis that must be addressed through poverty relief and aggressive education efforts. 

“Here at home, I am proud to a member of a Progressive Conservative Caucus that, with the recent election of Joyce Savoline, MPP for Burlington, has reached a historically high proportion of women at 25 per cent.  Conservatives have an impressive record both in Ontario and across the country with respect to advancing the status of women.  In 1918, Conservative Prime Minister Robert Borden ensured that women were given equal status and the right to vote, and in 1972, Provincial Premier and PC leader Bill Davis appointed Margaret Birch as Ontario’s first woman cabinet minister as Minister responsible for Youth.

“May this special day give all of us pause for reflection on the struggles and achievements of the women’s movement in terms of equality and rights, as well as remind us of the desperate need to put an end to violence against women.  We must do everything we can to ensure that mothers all around the world are able to raise their daughters to live a life free from fear and abuse.”

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For more information contact:
Christine Elliott, M.P.P
Whitby-Ajax
416.325.1331