In February 1975, the Prince Edward Island Council on the Status of Women was formed to assist the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Hon. George Proud, in the development of public awareness of issues affecting the status of women. Named to chair this Council was Mrs. Beatrice Reeves, President of P.E.I. Women’s Institutes.

1975 was proclaimed International Women’s Year by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly to promote equality between men and women. Resulting from the efforts of those promoting equality we see changes of attitudes in relation to women, not only on the part of men but women themselves. Changes in legislation have been achieved but women must recognize their power and to use this power to bring about more needed changes.

Prince Edward Island Women can report some positive changes:

(1) Amendments to the Human Rights Act and the appointment of a Human Rights Commission.

(2) The setting up of a Family Court.

(3) Family Law Reform Act passed by Legislature in Spring 1978 and enacted January 1, 1979.

(4) The Department of Social Services have established a Day Care Policy.

(5) Formation of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

(6) Preparation of a Talent Bank by the Advisory Council.

Submitted by Beatrice Reeves

ROADSIDE CLEAN -UP

In February, 1973, a representative of the Department of En— vironment, Prince Edward Island Government, approached the president of the Women’s Institute to request the support of its members for a project the government was considering.

After much discussion, the president agreed to present the project to the Board of Directors, but emphasized her concern that it would receive much fuller co-operation and public participation if it were a Women’s Institute project rather than a government one. The Deputy Minister agreed to this, and offered the full support of his department.

The Board of Directors enthusiastically endorsed the project, Roadside Clean-up, and planned the organizational details, the publicity releases, and the actual mechanics of the operation. Each community was urged to be responsible for its own arrangements, but all Board Members were available to offer advice.

The daily newspapers, The Guardian, Patriot, The Journal Pioneer and the weekly Eastern Graphic, and C.B.C.T. were tremendous in their free publicity and continuing support. Interest and enthusiasm spread across the Island, and when the second Saturday in May dawned clear

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