Statement from Minister McLean on International Women’s Day
Press Release
March 7, 2025
Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“On March 8 we celebrate International Women’s Day, a time to recognize and uplift the stories of women and girls in our communities.
“This year’s theme, Strength in every story, highlights the resilience, courage and determination that define women’s experiences. Women face various systemic and societal disadvantages related to intersectional factors like their race, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and economic status. Their stories are powerful testaments of survival, strength and resilience. Tomorrow, alongside Canadians across the country, we celebrate the women whose voices and actions are shaping a brighter future for the Yukon and beyond.
“This year, perhaps more than any other, there is a pressing need to reflect upon the progress made on gender equity, but also preparing ourselves to defend human rights more broadly. Internationally, we are watching decades of progress being rolled back right in front of our eyes: restricting access to reproductive healthcare; attempts to erase transgender people’s existence under the law; and attacks on diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives. In the Yukon, we are not immune to the hateful rhetoric that is driving these changes and we should not take the status quo for granted.
“Our territory has so much to be proud of when it comes to gender equality and we are committed to upholding these values. That’s why, in our 2025–26 budget, we are allocating $1.2 million to support the implementation of Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy, subject to legislative approval. Additionally, we are investing $4.1 million in initiatives that advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, subject to legislative approval. These commitments and our ongoing work across the territory reflect our unwavering dedication to ensuring that all Yukoners, especially women, Indigenous women, transgender and gender-diverse people, feel seen, safe and supported.
“But progress is not just about policy; it is about people. It is about the choices we make every day to create a more inclusive and equitable society. I encourage all Yukoners to reflect on how we can continue to move forward together and to take part in the many events and initiatives happening across the territory.
“Today and every day, let’s honour the strength in women’s stories – stories of resilience, courage and change – by amplifying their voices, learning from their experiences and working together to build a Yukon where every story is valued, heard and celebrated.”
Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
ILR5
