The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, addressed the Equal Voice 10th Anniversary Summit on Leveraging Women’s Leadership for the 21st Century: Changing the Game, a conference held March 10 and 11, during International Women’s Week.  Equal Voice is a multi-partisan organization promoting the election of more women in public office.

Minister Ambrose provided the key-note luncheon address on the final day of the Summit, reflecting on the importance of women running for elected office and her own experiences in a life of public service.

March 8, International Women’s Day, is the highlight of International Women’s Week, which began on Sunday, March 6 and will conclude on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Canada’s theme, Girls’ Rights Matter / Les droits des filles comptent, supports the development, prosperity and security of girls in Canada and around the world. It is being celebrated in conjunction with the United Nation’s international theme: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.

International Women’s Day and International Women’s Week promote an understanding of the challenges facing women and girls. Each year, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation, reflect on the current challenges and consider future efforts.

In 1911, International Women's Day was marked for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace. Canada then chose March 8 as International Women's Day.

For further information on International Women’s Day and International Women’s Week, visit the website of Status of Women Canada at http://www.iwd.gc.ca.