Archived News Releases

International Women's Day Promotes Achieving Financial Independence

Manitobans were invited to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Legislative Building, with the theme for this year’s event being financial independence, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, minister responsible for the status of women, said today.

“Today is a day for us to celebrate and recognize women’s accomplishments and contributions to our families, our economy and our communities here in Manitoba and beyond.  Women achieving financial independence have been at the core of the vision for gender equality across the globe for some time now,” Minister Irvin-Ross said.  “Empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of whole families and communities, and they improve prospects for the next generation.  This International Women’s Day, thousands of events will be held around the world to help women connect, celebrate and honour economic, political and social accomplishments.”

This year’s guest speaker was Mary Van-Eerd Cook, a former participant of the Supporting Employment and Economic Development’s (SEED) Saving Circle program.  She now works at SEED where she shares her skills and knowledge with other women in the community. 

Minister Irvin-Ross also announced $5,000 in funding was awarded through Community Networking Grants to assist groups of women from across the province to network together as peers, share resources and information, and take action on issues important to them and their communities.  These grants are awarded to support the efforts of women in rural and northern communities to connect on important issues and create meaningful change together.

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