Statement by New Democrat Leader Adrian Dix on International Women’s Day
March 8th, 2012
VANCOUVER - Adrian Dix, leader of the B.C. New Democrats, joined
in celebrating International Women’s Day today and released the
following statement:
“While much progress has been made over the years, true equality remains far too distant a dream for too many women.
“For months, we have seen First Nations women fight for their voices to be heard at the Missing Women's Inquiry. This week, the sister of one of the murdered women said, 'We are afraid that we are not going to get what we came for — the truth of what happened and what we can do for the future, for the women who are afraid to go to the police.'
"Groups such as the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, the February 14th Women's Memorial March, the Native Women's Association of Canada, the Ending Violence Association of B.C. and the Women's Equality and Security Coalition have been forced to drop out of the process because of the lack of resources.
"This is no way to address the profoundly serious issues about discrimination and justice that lie at the heart of the Missing Women's Inquiry.
"Last week, the province's Representative for Children and Youth released a report highlighting the inability of social services and the justice system to deal with issues of domestic violence. These problems contributed to the deaths of three children at the hands of their father.
"The deaths of these children were preventable. The government has shown a pattern of inaction on these issues that has put women and children at risk, often with tragic consequences.
"Today, we must remind ourselves that progress for women--and especially for the least advantaged women among us--has never come easily. We must remind ourselves that it has always required struggle and intense commitment.
"And while we should celebrate the many advances we have made as a society, we must also remind ourselves that there is much work left to be done.
"For example, we need more women in the B.C. legislature, giving women a greater role in shaping our province's future.
"New Democrats are committed to equality for all women, regardless of background. We want all women to feel they live in a society that offers them every opportunity to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential."
“While much progress has been made over the years, true equality remains far too distant a dream for too many women.
“For months, we have seen First Nations women fight for their voices to be heard at the Missing Women's Inquiry. This week, the sister of one of the murdered women said, 'We are afraid that we are not going to get what we came for — the truth of what happened and what we can do for the future, for the women who are afraid to go to the police.'
"Groups such as the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, the February 14th Women's Memorial March, the Native Women's Association of Canada, the Ending Violence Association of B.C. and the Women's Equality and Security Coalition have been forced to drop out of the process because of the lack of resources.
"This is no way to address the profoundly serious issues about discrimination and justice that lie at the heart of the Missing Women's Inquiry.
"Last week, the province's Representative for Children and Youth released a report highlighting the inability of social services and the justice system to deal with issues of domestic violence. These problems contributed to the deaths of three children at the hands of their father.
"The deaths of these children were preventable. The government has shown a pattern of inaction on these issues that has put women and children at risk, often with tragic consequences.
"Today, we must remind ourselves that progress for women--and especially for the least advantaged women among us--has never come easily. We must remind ourselves that it has always required struggle and intense commitment.
"And while we should celebrate the many advances we have made as a society, we must also remind ourselves that there is much work left to be done.
"For example, we need more women in the B.C. legislature, giving women a greater role in shaping our province's future.
"New Democrats are committed to equality for all women, regardless of background. We want all women to feel they live in a society that offers them every opportunity to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential."
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