Projects will advance gender equality in Alberta and engage local women leaders in pan-Canadian network
CALGARY, AB, July 20, 2017 /CNW/ – 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 two projects that will help advance gender equality in Alberta and in Canada.
The Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services is receiving $338,986 for a three-year project to strengthen coordinated responses for victims of sexual violence. The organization will work with multi-disciplinary partners to assess gaps in institutional capacity and policies in order to increase reporting and response services for women. They will engage partner agencies in the development of a best practices framework which will be implemented across Alberta. Results will also be disseminated amongst stakeholders to improve coordination of services for victims of sexual violence.
In addition, the Coaching Association of Canada is receiving $277,455 for a three-year project to increase the representation of women in coaching and senior administration roles in sport. The organization will develop policies and protocols to increase the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in professional sport occupations. It will work with partner agencies to pilot promising practices and share results throughout the sector.
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
“For gender equality to become a reality in Canada, we need everyone and every area of society to work together. From the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence to the under-representation of different gender groups in male-dominated sectors of the economy, it’s time to break the barriers that different gender groups face. The projects we are announcing today are important because they will contribute to gender equality. When every Canadian can contribute fully to our country with no fear of discrimination, violence, or systemic barriers, everyone benefits.”
Terry Duguid
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women
“The response of the justice system to those who’ve experienced sexual violence is critical when it comes to reducing this violence, encouraging women to report and ensuring adequate support for survivors. Through this project we will work with a committee of multi-disciplinary professionals with the aim of improving our response to sexual assault in Alberta.”
Deb Tomlinson, Chief Executive Officer
Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services
“The Coaching Association of Canada is proud to work with the Government of Canada on this project to support the advancement of women into senior roles in sport, such as coaching. Women have the skills, ability and drive to excel in these positions. Our goal is to help the sport sector take advantage of that talent and strengthen its competitive advantage.”
Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer
Coaching Association of Canada
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.
- These initiatives are part of a federal investment of over $18 million in support of grassroots organizations and 150 women leaders across the country who will work together as part of a pan-Canadian network. They will thereby contribute to feminist action for gender equality at the national level. The network is being convened by the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
- 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.
