From the Manitoba Government–International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to recognize the socio-economic, political and cultural achievements of women across the globe. On this special day, we pause and reflect on the great strides we have made towards gender equality, but we also acknowledge that there is still work to be done.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on women and has reinforced how important it is for us to recognize and support the important caregiving work provided by women both formally and informally. Manitoba has seen numerous examples of women who have taken the lead and made positive change within their communities in response to the pandemic.
The Manitoba government is proud to invest in initiatives that strengthen, empower and support women across the province, including:
- Approximately $98 million to continue building and strengthening regulated child care services for children six years old and under including a one-time investment of $19 million to begin offering targeted support for the recruitment and retention of qualified staff for the early learning sector.
- $285,000 toward an agreement with Manitoba Aerospace to provide skills training to 15 women in gas turbine repair.
- More than $600,000 to partner with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) to deliver a multi-faceted, skilled-trades training initiative for Indigenous women in four northern and remote communities.
- $25,000 in a micro-credential cyber security course at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) that will be offered to high school girls.
Last year, the Empower Women Award was relaunched with the focus on recognizing the significant contributions made by women and girls during the pandemic.
As you may know, Manitoba Status of Women (MSW) has recently joined our department. MSW works to achieve gender equity by addressing barriers and working to eliminate gender based violence. Please join me in extending them a warm welcome.
I would also like to take this opportunity to ask all of you to acknowledge and celebrate the women in your lives and their achievements.
Regards,
Michelle Dubik
Deputy Minister
Department of Families