Manitoba recognized International Women’s Day by launching a new awards program to honor women who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of gender equality.  In all 20 awards will be presented to recognize women who have developed activities, programs or movements to advance gender equality in Manitoba reflecting the province’s rich diversity and regional representation.  The Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council will play a role in reviewing all award nominations.

Status of Women Minister Cathy Cox notes this year marks the 100 year anniversary of the election of Edith Rogers the first woman elected to the Manitoba legislative assembly.  She explains Manitoba women began the movement of women getting the right to vote and be elected to the provincial legislature in 1916 and the 1920 election was the first after the change in legislation so Edith ran in 1920, 22 and 27 winning her seat in all three elections.