120th anniversary of the Montréal Women's Council - Montréal salutes the commitment of this pioneer movement

MONTREAL, April 17, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Mayor Michael Applebaum and Ms. Émilie Thuillier, vice-chair of the executive committee in charge of the status of women, attended yesterday the gala launching the 120^th anniversary celebrations of the Montréal Women's Council (MWC).

"The commitment of these women who, for decades, have been part of the Montréal Women's Council, is a source of inspiration and shows Montrealers' dedication to making our city a place where equality is a real part of everyday life. Often cited as a flagship city for gender equality, Montréal can count on allies such as the MWC to advance its ideas on the matter and position itself as a leader in the field of equality between women and men," said Mayor Applebaum.

Since 1893, the MWC has worked to improve the quality of life for local women, their families and Montréal society as a whole. Representing more than 30,000 women from all backgrounds in the greater Montréal area, the MWC is composed of five main committees in charge of issues such as education, health, housing, culture and the environment.

"For more than 120 years, the Montréal Women's Council has represented tens of thousands of women across the greater Montréal area working to improve living conditions in our community. The commitment of these women to making Montréal a more egalitarian city, whether in terms of justice, equal opportunities or social development, is to be commended. We are delighted to celebrate with you today and recognize all the women who have helped shape our history in their own ways over the course of the past 120 years," said Ms. Thuillier.

"2013 was a major milestone for the Montréal Women's Council and offers us a wonderful opportunity to commemorate our organization's fascinating history. Our 120^th anniversary is an occasion to highlight the remarkable work of our council over the past several decades and celebrate the involvement of some 80 active members and 70 organizations who, as a non-partisan coalition, work to improve the well-being and quality of life of women, families and the Montréal community," said Ms. Sandra Cohen-Rose, president of the Montréal Council of Women.

Over the years, Montréal has taken action in a number of ways to recognize women's participation in the city's social, cultural, economic and political development. Montréal's "Policy for Equal Participation in City Life by Men and Women" was adopted by the members of the executive committee in 2008. As well, in 2004, the city created the Council of Montréal Women and in 2005, it adopted the "Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities," which focused in part on supporting equality between men and women.

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

Source :
Jonathan Abecassis
Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif
514 872-9998

Renseignements :
Philippe Rousseau
Division des affaires publiques
514 872-5012