In a statement issued to mark International Women's Day, Premier John Horgan says BC's recovery from COVID-19 must be rooted in equality, with opportunities available to all, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

Horgan says BC has taken meaningful strides toward gender equality, but the pandemic has highlighted how much more work is needed.

He says data shows women have shouldered much of the pandemic burden, with more women working in the hardest-hit sectors, coping with additional caregiving responsibilities for children or family members and facing a jump in reports of intimate partner and family violence.

Horgan says his government will use all opportunities to advance equality, protect the right to live free from violence and build a better future for women, girls and trans people in the province and around the world.

John Horgan on Twitter:

While we've all been challenged over the last year, the global pandemic has only heightened inequities in our society.

On #InternationalWomensDay, we recommit to building a better future for women, girls and trans people in BC.