Statement from Minister Lang on International Women’s Day

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Laura Lang has issued the following statement:

"On March 8 we recognize International Women's Day, a time where we join communities across the Yukon and around the world in celebrating women and girls and recommitting to the work of advancing gender equity.

"This year's theme is Give to Gain, which challenges the misconception that empowering women takes something away from others. In reality, empowerment creates shared benefits such as stronger families, more productive workplaces and safer, more peaceful societies. Supporting women is not charity; it is a strategic effort toward creating a better future for everyone.

"Here in the Yukon, we see every day how women's leadership strengthens our communities. Women continue to lead transformative work in governance, justice, health, business and culture. Their voices and expertise are critical to building a safer, more equitable territory.

"Our government is taking concrete action. We continue implementing the Yukon's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy, strengthening governance and accountability with partners, families and survivors.

"We are expanding and improving supports for people experiencing gender-based violence, enhancing coordinated response systems and investing in community-based organizations that provide culturally safe, trauma-informed services across the territory.

"We recognize that advancing gender equity requires addressing root causes of inequality, including housing affordability, access to education and training, economic participation and cost-of-living pressures. We are also advancing initiatives across government to strengthen opportunity and security for women and gender-diverse people.

"Through the Women and Gender Equity Directorate, we are advancing prevention programming, supporting equity-seeking organizations and integrating gender and diversity analysis into government decision-making so policies and programs better reflect the realities of Yukoners.

"International Women's Day is both a celebration and a call to action. When we invest in women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people, we invest in stronger communities and a more resilient Yukon."