Government of Canada project will engage Inuit men and boys in preventing and addressing violence against women and girls

OTTAWA, June 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence. That's why today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced a project to engage Inuit men and boys in preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is receiving $898,468 for a 36-month project to engage men and boys as agents of change in reducing violence against women and girls across all four regions of Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland which consists of Inuvialuit (NWT), Nunatsiavut (Labrador), Nunavik (Quebec), and Nunavut. Through this project, Pauktuutit will partner with women's organizations, men's groups, frontline service providers such as shelters, and other stakeholders to develop and implement targeted interventions that are culturally appropriate. They will work directly with men's groups to help them take a leadership role against violence. A national role-model campaign will also be developed to encourage men, women, and youth to speak out and take actions against gender-based violence.

Quotes

"Gender-based violence remains a significant yet preventable barrier to equality. Our Government is proud to partner with Pauktuutit for this important project that will engage men and boys in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Culturally appropriate measures are important to ensure the success of such initiatives."

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women

"Stopping the ongoing tragedy of violence against Indigenous women and girls requires dealing head-on with the root causes. Inuit women in Canada have demonstrated strong leadership and identified the need to include men and boys in any successful strategy. Collaboration between Inuit organizations, such as Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, governments and Canadian society is needed now to find real, lasting solutions. This project is a step in the right direction and I would like to congratulate all those who helped make it a reality."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"We welcome the Government of Canada's support for this important project that will engage Inuit men and boys as part of the solution to ending gender-based violence. Through collaboration with women's organizations, men's groups, and front line service providers, we will develop and implement targeted interventions that reduce and prevent gender-based violence and improve the lives of women and their families across Inuit Nunangat."

Rebecca Kudloo, President
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada

Quick Facts

Budget 2017 committed to invest over $100 million over five years starting in 2017-18 to establish a strategy to address gender-based violence. The Budget also announced support for the creation of a centre of excellence within Status of Women Canada to better align existing resources across government to address gender-based violence. Measures will be implemented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Department of National Defence.
Budget 2017 also included a commitment to invest in a new National Housing Fund, as well as the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to prioritize vulnerable populations including survivors of domestic violence. The Budget also included National Housing Fund investments for Northern ($300 million over the next 11 years) and off-reserve Indigenous housing ($225 million over the next 11 years).
The Government of Canada committed $89.9 million over two years as part of Budget 2016 to enhance Canada's network of shelters and transition houses through the construction or renovation of over 3,000 shelter spaces off-reserve.
The Government of Canada is committed to advancing reconciliation with Inuit, First Nations, and the Métis Nation. The focus is on building a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, one based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

Additional Links:

Information about Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
About the Federal Strategy on Gender-Based Violence

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

For further information: Philippe Charlebois, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-618-0314; Léonie Roux, Public Affairs Officer, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6821

Organization Profile

Status of Women Canada

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