Jones celebrating International Women’s Week and urging
a bolder agenda for  rural women

Liberal Opposition Leader and critic for the Status of Women, Yvonne Jones, says she is proud to join in the spirit of celebration of International Women’s Week throughout the province and commends those women and volunteers who are at the forefront of the movement to improve the lives of women. 

“This is a special week to come together in spirit with women throughout the world, and in particular across Newfoundland and Labrador to highlight our achievements, including the many successes of women in business throughout our cities, communities and coves.

“This week is also an opportunity to reflect on the outstanding needs of women left unaddressed here in the province, particularly those in rural communities,” says Jones. ''While the oil and gas sector is helping to fuel the economy on the North East Avalon, many rural areas are not benefiting from this progress.  In fact, many communities continue to struggle for a variety of reasons; and often it is women and their families that bear the brunt of this lack of economic opportunity.  

 "Rural women deal with a great deal of responsibilities and unique challenges, from poverty issues, caring for children and ailing seniors while their spouses are forced to seek employment elsewhere in Canada, homecare, literacy, pension ability, food security, bankruptcy, as well as  violence.  Further, rural women also tend to be underemployed, underpayed and lack the resources and support that are available in larger centers including mental health and addiction services.
 
Jones also stresses the need for a new report card on the concerns and priorities of women with a highlight on rural women.   "It is important to also document the particular experiences and needs of rural girls and teens to the possibilities for empowerment and community-building.  If we are to keep our youth in our communities, it must begin with supporting them at this age and giving them a voice in government decision-making.  Senior women also have their own special challenges and as our population continues to age, we must be out front on these issues and find ways to address them.

 "As we join in the many gatherings this week, it is important to celebrate our hard work and progress, but to also remind the decision-makers to develop bold policies that contribute to the health and sustainability of all communities and thereby improving the lives of women and their families. “  

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