News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

March 9, 2020

Manitoba Recognizes International Women's Day with Launch of Empower Women 20/20 Awards



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Manitoba is recognizing International Women’s Day by launching a new awards program to honour women who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of gender equality, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.

“Women make important contributions that enrich all aspects of life in Manitoba including community service, law, education, arts and culture,” said Cox.  “As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2020, I’m proud to announce the ‘Empower Women 20/20 Awards’, which will honour the outstanding women who have helped to further gender equality in our province.”

In all, 20 awards will be presented to recognize women who have developed activities, programs or movements to advance gender equality in Manitoba, reflecting the province’s rich diversity and regional representation.  The Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council will play a role in reviewing all the award nominations.

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the election of Edith Rogers, the first woman elected to the Manitoba legislative assembly.

“Manitoba women began the movement of women getting the right to vote and be elected to the provincial legislature in 1916 and the 1920 election was the first after the change in legislation,” Cox said.  “Edith ran in 1920, 1922 and 1927 – winning her seat in all three elections.  Beyond her career in politics, she was also active with various organizations in Manitoba and was a strong advocate for soldiers’ dependents after the First World War.”

The names of this year’s award recipients will be announced during Gender Equality Week, Sept. 20 to 26.  More information and nomination forms can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/msw/empower_women_2020.html.

The International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is Each for Equal.  Follow the conversation online at #IWD2020 and #EachforEqual.

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