Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge International Women's Day, which is observed annually on March 8th to celebrate women's social, cultural, and political achievements throughout history and across nations. International Women's Day provides an important opportunity to showcase commitments towards women's equality, raise awareness about issues affecting women, and to highlight initiatives towards gender parity.
The theme of this year's International Women's Day is Accelerate Action. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress full gender parity will not be achieved until 2158; roughly five generations from now. As the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I am committed to closing this gap much sooner and ensuring meaningful progress across our territory.
This year's theme underscores the need for swift, decisive steps to advance gender equality. It calls for a greater momentum and urgency in dismantling systemic barriers and biases that continue to hold women back.
Mr. Speaker, despite decades of effort, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched. Progress in areas such as economic participation, political representation, and the fight against gender-based violence has been slow. Accelerating Action means moving beyond ineffective approaches and embracing bold, transformative solutions that drive real change.
Our young women and girls have great potential to be our future leaders. To support them, we must ensure they have resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. Investing in education, affordable housing, health care, employment, and childcare, does not just empower women; it strengthens our economy and benefits society as a whole.
In recent years, events like the COVID pandemic and the wildfire evacuation, disproportionately affected women particularly in terms of job loss, homelessness, increased unpaid caregiving burdens, and heightened domestic violence. Accelerate Action signals that urgent and coordinated approaches are necessary to recover lost ground and ensure women are not left behind when events like these happen.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all women across the territory for their invaluable contributions to our communities, our families, and our workplaces; both today and throughout the year. We recognize that women face multiple barriers and gender-based discrimination. These obstacles make it difficult for women to attain equal footing. We must continue to work together to develop and implement strategies to prevent violence against women and girls, promote the development of women in leadership positions, and continue to ensure women and girls are safe in the Northwest Territories. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for the Status of Women. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
