Mr. Speaker, for decades now, the entire world has been recognizing International Women's Day on March 8.
Much has changed in Canada in the last 100 years. It is hard to believe that 100 years ago women not only could not vote but they were not even considered persons. Today, more and more women are breaking down the barriers.
Although we have come a long way, a lot of work remains to be done. Women are still paid less than men, and they are often under-represented in many fields.
Women are also still subject to violence and abuse because they are women. As Canadians, we must also recognize the particular violence many aboriginal women face and the need for a public national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.
It is also important that we take a stand against all attacks on women's rights. In Canada, the Conservative government has been attacking women's rights non-stop since 2006.
We need to continue to move forward, not back, on women's equality here in Canada and around the world.
Happy International Women's Day.
Happy International Women's Day.