OTTAWA ― Today, during International Women’s Day, the Green Party of Canada joins Canadians as they celebrate the achievements of women everywhere and commit to building a gender-balanced world.
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Better the Balance, Better the world, is particularly germane given the disproportionate challenges facing women in relation to the climate crisis,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “Climate change is affecting everyone but its impacts will exacerbate issues already confronting women around the world such as poverty, migration, food security, escaping conflict and violence.
“Because women play such a key role at both a community and household level, their participation and leadership is crucial in finding solutions to climate-related challenges. Most of the world’s poor are women; they are on the front line every day, facing discrimination and social justice issues while striving to feed, protect and clothe their families.
“There is reason for cautious optimism that we are making progress in our journey towards gender equity. In the United States, a record number of women were recently elected to Congress. However, many of those women continue to endure misogynistic and racist comments and must work twice as hard as their male counterparts to do their job. In Canada, we are still awaiting meaningful action resulting from the national Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
“As Canada’s only female federal party leader, I am keenly aware of how important it is to improve gender balance in government. While we can celebrate some victories, much work remains to be done.”
# # #
For more information or to arrange an interview contact:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206
[email protected]