Winnipeg - New funding will help support a vibrant gender equality movement across Canada

News Release

Projects will advance gender equality and engage local women leaders in pan-Canadian network

JULY 25, 2017 – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – Status of Women Canada

As Canada marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it is important to reflect on our legacy for the future. Despite the important milestones witnessed in these 150 years, women, girls, and gender-non-conforming people still face hardships. A lot more work remains for gender equality to become a reality in Canada.  By investing in a strong and thriving women’s movement today, we are laying the foundation for gender equality tomorrow.

Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada funding for five projects that will help advance gender equality in Canada. 

Five organizations in Winnipeg are receiving funding of almost $2 million for a range of projects that will challenge barriers to gender equality:

  • Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
  • Southern Chiefs’ Organization
  • ·Ending Violence Across Manitoba Inc.
  • West Central Women’s Resource Centre
  • Willow Place Inc.

Projects by these organizations will work on several fronts to improve the status of women and girls in the province, from addressing gender-based violence, to exploring challenges related to housing, to improving the participation of women in the all sectors of the economy, including the skilled trades.

These initiatives are part of an investment of over $18 million by the federal government. Its purpose is to support grassroots organizations and engage 150 women leaders across the country who will work together as part of a pan-Canadian network to support feminist action for gender equality at the national level. The network is being convened by the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

As a digital partner with Status of Women Canada for this event, Instagram offered participants at the event a learning session on social media best practices to create communities and maximize audiences.

Quotes

“Strong, dynamic women are the heart of the women’s movement and their leadership is key to achieving gender equality. Our Government’s initiative will bring them together, at the national level, with the goal of facilitating the exchange of experiences and best practices. This strong, vibrant, and coordinated women’s movement will lead the way to equality, for the next 150 years and beyond.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women

“When women and girls are empowered to succeed, we all benefit. This community is doing outstanding work to address barriers facing women and girls and move us all closer to gender equality. I am proud to be part of a government that supports these efforts and look forward to seeing the results of these projects. Together, we can make our Manitoba and our country an inclusive place where everyone’s contribution is valued and respected. This is the only way our society, our economy, can reach its full potential.”

Terry Duguid
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women

“The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Women’s Council is leading the way to promote the representation of First Nations women in the trades. This will be done by empowering women’s voice in the development of tools for change and building partnerships with employers and training institutions for collaborative action. It is essential women re-occupy a sacred place in our families, communities and Nations. It is also an opportunity to forge a new relationship based on mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation.”

Chief Viola Eastman
First Nations Women’s Council
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

“Indigenous women who have been incarcerated face a number of challenges when they are released — from finding housing to accessing banking services. This project will address those challenges and engage partners in developing an action plan for more effective and culturally-appropriate services for these women as they reintegrate into society.”

Pamela Davis
Violence Prevention & Safety Coordinator
Southern Chiefs’ Organization

“When it comes to domestic violence, it is important to have a strong, coordinated approach for responding to survivors – particularly for high-risk cases. Through this project we will identify gaps in services and work with our partners to pilot promising practices.  By collaborating with other agencies doing similar work across the province, we can improve support for women and girls no matter where they live. ”

Mary Lobson
Executive Director
Ending Violence Across Manitoba Inc.

“Women and the trans community experience homelessness differently and are often more vulnerable during transition points in their lives. Alongside Winnipeg’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, our project will develop a gender-based housing strategy that addresses the unique, gendered pathways into homelessness, which include transitioning out of correctional institutions, violence against women shelters and involvement with other systems and institutions.”

Lorie English
Executive Director
West Central Women’s Resource Centre

“Women and children affected by gender-based violence need specialized support when they seek help. We are proud to work with the Government of Canada on this project to improve Manitoba’s family services and justice system practices and ensure that they better respond to survivors of violence. Working with our partners, we will recommend ways to modify existing policies, pilot promising practices and share the results with others working in the sector.”

Lesley Lindberg
Executive Director
Willow Place Inc.

Quick Facts

  • In October 2016, Status of Women Canada invited organizations to propose projects that advance gender equality across Canada. As of June 2017, some 50 projects have been approved for over $18 million in Funding to Advance Gender Equality. with the goal of empowering great Canadian women and enabling their good work to set the stage for the next 150 years. This is the most funding to ever be approved through a Status of Women Canada call for proposals. Approved projects will take place over a period of three years.

  • The Women’s Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers that contribute to gender inequality in Canada.

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Contacts

Philippe Charlebois
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Status of Women
613-618-8546

Léonie Roux
Public Affairs Officer
Status of Women Canada
819-420-6821

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