Mr. Speaker, Canadians will join the world next Monday, March 8, in celebrating International Women's Day which grew out of women's struggle for better working conditions in the mid-19th century.
Women organized protests over low wages, long working days, lack of equal pay and inhuman work environments. Along with protest came progress and the realization that the battle for equality must continue.
In 1977 the United Nations passed a resolution calling for countries to celebrate a day for women's rights and international peace. Since that time women all over the world have come together to celebrate International Women's Day.
This day is a celebration of ordinary women as makers of history and is rooted in the centuries old struggle to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
As we celebrate international women's week in our workplaces, communities and homes, let us reflect on the challenges that we face before women reach full equality in our society.