Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S CLUB INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCH
University Women’s Club
Friday, March 10, 2023
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Fellow Manitobans, I am pleased to join you in reflection and rededication to principles we hold dear.
I am delighted to welcome you to this gathering in the heart of Treaty One land, home of the Anishinaabe and the Red River Metis people, in the capital of a province that is home to the Cree, Dakota and Dene people.
Here and throughout Manitoba, we are working to advance understanding, healing and reconciliation and build a better home for all.
This week, I have had the pleasure of meeting with women of all ages and backgrounds at a series of events in recognition of International Women’s Day. It has been inspiring to see such diverse groups of women sharing a commitment to improving the lives of girls and women.
Some of them were already very active in the struggle to attain equality for women back in 1975 when the United Nations proclaimed International Women’s Day. And there were a few whose parents weren’t even born yet.
Now here I am meeting members of an organization that has been working for women in Manitoba since 1909.
From 1909 to this day, it has taken courage to advocate for the rights of women and girls.
We remember the scorn heaped on earlier generations of feminists – denounced as man-haters, harpies, bra-burners. And we know that today women who speak up still face a torrent of abuse in online comments and social media.
And despite that, women remain firm in their principles. We celebrate advances, such as the gradual narrowing of the wage gap and the success of women in previously male-dominated careers.
But we all know there’s much more to do. Those advances of the last fifty years have not been shared by all women. And far too many still feel their lives constrained by violence and abuse.
On International Women’s Day – and throughout the year – we remember the words of the activist and organizer Fannie Lou Hamer. “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
I look forward to hearing from Wilma Derksen and learning more about her resolute commitment to advancing understanding and to shining a light in the darkness.
May you all find inspiration, courage and hope from this gathering. And may that fuel future progress that we’ll celebrate in the years ahead.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich.
