Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright-L=Anse au Clair and Liberal Opposition Critic for the Status of Women,  says she is proud to join in the spirit of celebration of International Women=s Week throughout  the province. The week recognizes the significant role  women have played in shaping our history and in their ongoing struggle for even greater inclusion and progress. 

AThis is a special day and week to come together in spirit with women throughout the world, and in particular across Newfoundland and Labrador, to highlight our progress historically and during present day,@says Jones. AAt the same time, it is also an opportunity to call for even greater and faster change. It is important that women participate more immediately and more meaningfully in our provincial society. 

AOur struggle for equality, justice, peace and progress is far from over, perhaps even more so in this province as women and their families continue to cope with high levels of poverty, inadequate housing, inaccessible prescription drugs for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, family violence, unemployment and the alarming loss of communities and family support that have taken place in recent time through outmigration.  Additionally,  closure or changes to the Status of Women offices is seen as a concern. 

AThere are no shortage of challenges remaining in our province, as most will acknowledge. It is important not only for  government to set an aggressive agenda when it comes to addressing these gender-based issues, but to implement a time line to ensure effective progress.  It is not enough to be satisfied with paper-based strategies, good intentions or great plans that do not have enough funding to achieve results. 

AThis is a tremendous week that connects us as a circle of women of all ages in this province. We find strength from our collective spirit and achievements as well as from our desire for more practical and beneficial changes, no matter what cove, community or city we live. 

AAs decision-makers affecting our lives, government is drawn into this circle. I challenge them to push harder to cultivate the type of changes that will truly improve our lives as Newfoundland and Labrador women and ensure that the future for our girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.@ 

The Liberal MHA will be in attendance at the Labrador West Women=s Council during its 30^th anniversary dinner in Labrador City on International Women=s Day, Thursday, March 8.