In Canada, the White Ribbon campaign extends
from November 25, the International Day for the
Eradication of Violence Against Women, until December 6, Canada's National Day
of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. "Women still
make up a disproportionate share of the people living in poverty
in Canada, making them vulnerable to violence. Among the best ways to
break down barriers and advance opportunities for women are through poverty
eradication, national affordable child care, affordable post-secondary
education, and affordable housing. Empowering women is a means of preventing
domestic violence," said Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament
for Saanich-Gulf Islands.
"The White Ribbon Campaign focuses
our attention on violence against women. The Conservative government has pushed
the clock backwards on women's rights in Canada with the elimination of women's
pay equity rights, the failure to follow through with a national affordable
child care program and the decimation of the Status of Women Canada," said
Green Women's Critic Rebecca Harrison. "Now we have the killing of
the Long Gun Registry, despite the protests of the police force and women's
groups who use the registry to find out what weapons are in a home where
domestic violence is an issue." According to the Nova Scotia Nurses'
Union, 88% of women killed with guns in Canada are shot with long guns.
Each year Harrison
presents to high schools during the White Ribbon Campaign. "As a
survivor of violence, I go into high
schools and share my story, discuss the impacts of violence against women and
discuss healthy equal relationships," said Harrison. "It is
very important to shine a light on violence, get it out into the open and say
it is no longer acceptable."
The White Ribbon Campaign is an
international effort with a focus on educating men and boys on their role in
ending violence against women. Wearing the white ribbon is a personal
pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women
and girls.
The Green Party of
Canada is dedicated to celebrating strong women, with a Women's Council and a
commitment to support greater engagement of women in the political life of
Canada. Leader Elizabeth May participates in the Women's Caucus on
Parliament Hill.
The Greens will
vigorously defend every hard-won victory for women's rights and for women to
advance forward towards full equality in Canada. Women's equality is
fundamental to a just society.
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Media
Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
media@greenparty.ca
613-614-4916