Supporting women’s organizations to advance gender equality in Kingston

News release

August 12, 2019Kingston, Ontario Women and Gender Equality Canada

Women’s organizations provide vital services in our communities, supporting women and girls to be financially secure, free from violence, and able to fully participate in all aspects of our economy and society. Yet for far too long they have been chronically underfunded, underestimated and undermined. The Government of Canada recognizes that women’s organizations are the foundation of the women’s movement, and that maintaining and growing their ability to do this important work is the most effective way to advance gender equality.

That’s why today, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced that the Government of Canada is investing in two women’s organizations in Kingston. They are;

  • Girls Inc. of Limestone, Algonquin and Lakeshore will receive $200,000 to recruit, train and manage the Girls Inc. Advocacy Team in Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Hastings and Prince Edward counties. The Team will guide conversations and deliver workshops and advocacy toolkits throughout the community to promote gender equality and raise awareness of the harmful and pervasive effects of gender inequality; and,
  • Kingston Interval House will receive $200,000 to improve its funding model, creating new funding opportunities and increasing revenue streams from a network of donors and partners. This will enable it to improve human resources and meet strategic goals for growth to maintain a wide range of community services for women and families in Kingston while working to eliminate all forms of violence and oppression.

These organizations are among the more than 250 women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women across Canada receiving funding under the Government of Canada’s Capacity-building Fund. This investment stems from the Budget 2018 announcement of $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women’s movement across the country.

Quotes

“With our historic investment, we recognize the women and women’s organizations breaking through barriers and express our gratitude to those who have been doing this work for decades on little more than a shoestring budget. The women’s movement across Canada has been asking for a reliable, predictable and accessible source of funds to ensure the sustainability of their work. With stable and flexible funding, we are helping women’s organizations in Kingston grow and thrive, because we know that investing in women’s organizations is the most effective way to advance gender equality. By supporting a movement that has achieved amazing results, we are growing the middle class, strengthening families and communities, and creating lasting change that benefits everyone.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“I am pleased to announce the Government of Canada’s support for Girls Inc. of Limestone and Kingston Interval House. This investment will provide them the opportunity to increase their reach in the community and mobilize their messages of unity and gender equality to help create a healthier, safer and more prosperous community for us all.”

Mark Gerretsen
Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

“It is important for people to have the right information about gender equality. We want to show how gender inequality has a negative impact on women, girls and society in general, and how easy it is for attitudes and opinions to be reconsidered and discussed in the public space. We are thankful for the funding from the Government of Canada and look forward to working with our community to bring gender equality to the front of the conversation.”

Lindsey Belch, Chief Executive Officer
Girls Inc. of Limestone, Algonquin and Lakeshore

“The need for our services expands as our community grows and becomes more diverse. We’re thankful to the Government of Canada for recognizing our unique funding profile and for providing the investment that will allow us to begin our next phase of expansion. We are pleased to see our work will continue uninterrupted as we strive to provide high-quality services that meet the critical needs of women and families and youth in Kingston who are experiencing violence and need safe shelter.”

Pam Havery, Executive Director
Kingston Interval House

Quick facts

  • Budget 2018 announced $100 million over five years to support a viable and sustainable women’s movement across Canada. Adding to this historic investment, Budget 2019 invests a further $160 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, in the Department for Women and Gender Equality’s Women’s Program. This means that by 2023–24, the Women’s Program, which supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers, will total $100 million a year. 

  • This funding will enable women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women to tackle systemic barriers impeding women’s progress, while recognizing and addressing the diverse experiences of gender and inequality across the country.

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Contacts

Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
343-549-8825

Valérie Haché
Senior Communications Advisor
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-8684

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