NDP Leader Howard Hampton and NDP Women’s Critic Andrea Horwath issued the following statement on International Women’s Day:

“On behalf of New Democrats, it is an honour and privilege to recognize March 8th, as the 30th International Women’s Day.”

“This year’s theme ‘Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results,’ addresses domestic violence and the need for a meaningful plan to combat this social crisis.

“Women continue to fight for safety, and social and economic equality. These struggles have not been easy and we salute women across this province whose hard work and determination has ensured that there has been steady progress.

“But the time for action is now. We need to fund a comprehensive strategy for the prevention of violence against women. That includes raising Ontario’s minimum wage to a living wage of $10 an hour; equal pay for work of equal value; ensuring the availability and affordability of universal child care; the provision of affordable housing and second stage housing; and restoring funding of Status of Women Canada.

“It also means supporting high-quality public health care and education, and keeping tuition affordable, so no one is denied the chance to climb the ladder of opportunity.

“And it means fighting to make life better and fairer for Ontario’s most vulnerable women - First Nations, new Canadians, seniors and women with disabilities.”

“These are among the required prevention measures to curb violence against women. Nothing less than full equality of rights and opportunity for women is acceptable.

“While honouring the historic sacrifices, struggles and strides of women past and present, we must never lose sight of the distance still left to travel before the goal of full equality, participation and protection of women is reached.

“Today, New Democrats reaffirm our commitment to International Women’s Day by celebrating past accomplishments, and joining together to find solutions so that one day gender social and economic equality won’t be just a goal – it will be a reality.”