Prime minister's statement on International Women's Day

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has issued the following statement on the occasion of International Women’s Week, highlighted by today's International Women’s Day:

************************* International Women’s Day 2008 is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women.

This year’s theme Strong Women, Strong World, echoes our government’s commitment to providing women with the tools and opportunities they need and deserve to achieve their full potential.

Safety, security and freedom are the indelible rights of all women, not just Canadian women.

This week, our country was proud to host a group of Afghan women parliamentarians, whose presence reminds us that the fight for gender equality is far from over.

We salute their courage, along with the bravery of all the Canadian men and women who are supporting their quest for freedom, democracy and equality in Afghanistan.

Just as we recognize the challenges for women internationally, our government recognizes there is still work to be done in our own country.

We are taking action through measures to enhance the economic security of women by modernizing federal labour standards.

We are expanding business opportunities for women, supporting a balance between work and family, and improving job opportunities for vulnerable groups.

We have introduced measures to both raise the standard of living among older women and offer affordable housing for women in need.

We are developing an action plan to advance equality for women by improving their economic and social conditions, and women’s participation in democratic life.

We are also taking action to remedy an inexcusable and longstanding legislative gap regarding on-reserve matrimonial rights.

Our government is moving to provide basic rights to on-reserve women to protect them and their children in the event a relationship breaks down.

This will significantly improve the quality of life for women and children living on reserves across Canada and we urge the opposition to support these measures.

Our government is committed to safeguarding all Canadians against those who commit serious and violent crimes.

Our Tacking Violent Crime legislation recently became law – finally putting an end to lenient penalties for repeat or violent sexual offenders who prey on women and girls.

Our government has also raised the age of consent from 14 to 16 years, and we are taking on the issue of human trafficking, which remains a growing concern for women and girls, in Canada and internationally.

Canada must be ever-vigilant, continuing to develop as a country that values and promotes women here in Canada and around the world.

I ask all Canadians to join me in celebrating International Woman’s Day, strong women and a strong Canada.

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