FREDERICTON (GNB) – Service New Brunswick Minister Sherry Wilson, who is also the minister responsible for women’s equality, released the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day:

Today women from around the world are gathering to celebrate International Women’s Day. Every year we dedicate this day to acknowledging the economic, political and social contributions of women from the past, the present and the ones we know will contribute in the future.

Recognized for the first time by the United Nations in 1975, International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements and acknowledges the challenges they continue to face in the quest for gender equality.

By empowering women, we are helping to create a better future for us all. For when women succeed, so do families, communities and our whole society.

International Women’s Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate women from all walks of life. It is a time to reflect upon how far we come, as well as all we have left to do to ensure gender equality here at home and across the globe.

This year, in honour of this important day, we have launched a new initiative to celebrate the contributions of New Brunswick women.

Women face unique challenges within our society and often have many inspiring stories to share; stories of courage, strength and perseverance. However, these women and their stories often do not appear in history books. So, in an effort to recognize and highlight the impact they have had on our lives, we are introducing the new VIVE Awards (Visionary, Inspirational, Vibrant, Empowering) to honour these New Brunswick women.

I hope that you all take some time today to think about the inspiring women in your own lives and the many ways they have made, and continue to make, our world a better place.

Happy International Women’s Day 2020.