OTTAWA — As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the Green Party of Canada would like to pay tribute to three special women, Myriam Merlet, Anne Marie Coriolan, and Magalie Marcelin, who tragically lost their lives in the Haitian earthquake.

“These three women were at the forefront of the women’s movement in Haiti, standing up for women in a country where rape is not prosecuted and domestic violence is rampant,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.  “We must not let the work of Myriam Merlet, Anne Marie Coriolan, and Magalie Marcelin be forgotten.  Women everywhere should hold them forever in their minds and hearts as reminders of how strong we can be and how together we can overcome injustice.”

Myriam Merlet was Chief of Staff of the Haitian Ministry of Women. She lived in Canada during the 1970-80s, returning to Haiti with the goal of changing her country’s legal and social system to better protect women and children. Anne Marie Coriolan also held a senior position in the women’s ministry and founded the consciousness-raising Solidarite Fanm Ayisyen (Solidarity with Haitian Women, or SOFA).  Magali Marcelin, a lawyer, activist, and actress, founded Kay Fanm (Women’s House), providing shelters and micro-credit loans for women.

The three women were leaders in reforming Haiti’s judiciary system, including a 2005 law criminalizing rape. They set up infrastructure to protect victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

“My deepest sympathies to the friends and families of these courageous women. Their great work will not be forgotten and their memory will provide inspiration to countless women,” said Debborah Donnelly, Green Party critic for Status of Women.

“Together, these amazing activists were changing the status of women in Haiti and providing inspiration and hope to other women and girls around the globe,” said May. “We must now carry on their work, today and every day, until women are treated with equality and respect in every corner of the world.”

Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World.

In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as International Women’s Day.

Each year at this time, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation, reflect on the challenges and barriers that remain, and consider future steps to achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.

Over time, International Women’s Day has grown into a week-long series of commemorative events and activities across the country. International Women’s Week 2010 begins on Sunday, March 7 and wraps up on Saturday, March 13.

We encourage all Canadians – women and men, girls and boys – to promote International Women’s Day / International Women’s Week. Better yet, why not organize your own IWD/IWW event in your community, organization, workplace or school?

March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), the highlight of International Women’s Week (IWW). Each year at this time, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation, reflect on current challenges and consider future steps in achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.

International Women’s Week 2010 begins on Sunday, March 7, and wraps up on Saturday, March 13. The Government of Canada’s theme for 2010 is Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World.

This theme reflects the government’s action to encourage more women and girls to participate in leadership roles, thereby helping them thrive, reach their full potential, fulfill their dreams and build a more prosperous Canada.

For Canadians, equality means women and men sharing in the responsibilities and obligations, as well as in the opportunities and rewards, of life and work. In Canada, leadership is key across society – from the private sector to governments to the general public. Leadership is important, so that people of all origins, generations and backgrounds can participate fully in our country’s economic, social and democratic life, and ultimately, in improving the state of the world. 

More people are affected by poverty than you may realize. Did you know that one child in nine is growing up poor in Ontario? Just having a job does not guarantee a livable income. When asked “What does poverty mean?”, here are some responses of Canadian children.
Poverty Is…
*Feeling ashamed when my dad can’t get a job
*Not getting to go to birthday parties
*Hearing my mom and dad fight over money
*Not getting a hotdog on hot dog day
*Pretending that you forgot your lunch
*Being afraid to tell your mom that you need gym shoes
*Not having breakfast sometimes
*Not having pretty barrettes for your hair
*Being teased for the way you are dressed
No child should need to define poverty.

My thanks to the social workers at Lakeridge Health for bringing this topic to the forefront.

The Oshawa Federal Green Party would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rachel Pidwerbecki, wife of Oshawa city councilor, Nester Pidwerbecki on her passing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

God Bless!