Advisory Council Celebrating 25^th Anniversary

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women celebrated its 25^th Anniversary with a Gala Evening on Thursday, November 24^th, 2005, in St. John’s. The event showcased entertainment by Amy House, Pamela Morgan, Amber Milley and Jackie Sullivan. In addition, the Gala featured a retrospective of photographs and memorabilia from the organizations twenty-five years of feminist activism and advocacy for women and women’s equality in Newfoundland and Labrador.  The present Board of Directors, made up of 11 women from throughout the province, attended and greeted over three hundred guests.

The Advisory Council was established in 1980 by the government of that day to advise and advocate on behalf of women’s equality. There have been three Presidents: Ann Bell led the organization from 1980-1989; Wendy Williams, 1990-1995; and Joyce Hancock is the current President.

Ms. Hancock believes that it is the arms-length status that allows women and women’s equality-seeking organizations to feel that this Advisory Council will always speak out on issues important to women. This will always be tricky for the Advisory Council depends on government to “respect and resource” the very organization which often has a different analysis and perspective on how to advance women’s equality.

Susan Hollett of Shoal Harbour, who is the Council’s Vice President, was delighted that women who work in the province’s eight Women’s Centres traveled to St. John’s to celebrate with the Provincial Advisory Council. This gesture by grassroots women’s equality-seeking organizations is certainly an indication that women feel connected to this Advisory Council.

Joyce Hancock stated that, “this gala was also a gathering of people across political lines. The present Status of Women Minister, Joan Burke, as well as three previous Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women attended, along with Her Honour, Eve Roberts, and founding President of the Advisory Council, Ann Bell.”