Alberta government promises to increase gender equality

March 7, 2016. Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean says her ministry will focus on increasing women’s economic security, increasing women’s leadership and democratic participation, and decreasing violence against women and girls. McLean laid out her ministry’s mandate on Monday, the day before International Women’s Day. “We are partnering with women and with ministries across government to increase economic resilience, promote women in leadership positions, and to help eliminate violence against women,” said McLean in a statement. Alberta has the only stand-alone ministry for the Status of Women in the country.