Status of Women Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Status of Women Canada

www.swc-cfc.gc.ca

Breadcrumb

  1. Home >
  2. News Releases

News Release

Minister Ambrose Announces Support for Young Aboriginal Women's Leadership

July 3, 2011

GATINEAU, QC - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced support for a national project to provide young Aboriginal women with the skills they require to take a leadership role in combating violence against women and girls .

"Our government remains committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls," said Minister Ambrose. "I am proud to announce support to a promising new project that will significantly improve the lives of young Aboriginal women and girls by empowering them to end violence in their own lives and in their communities."

The Girls Action Foundation will receive $159,250 for Aboriginal Young Women's Leadership for Violence Prevention, a 24-month project to prepare young Aboriginal women from urban, rural and remote locations to lead efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. In 10 youth-led programs across the country, participants will work with mentors, peers and elders to increase their leadership capacity and to engage key community representatives in eliminating violence against women.

Since 2007, the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada has funded some 50 projects, amounting to approximately $12 million, in support of Aboriginal women and girls. Out of that amount, more than 50 percent went to projects that addressed the issue of violence. In addition, last October, Minister Ambrose announced a $10 million investment to bolster law enforcement, the justice system, victims' services and community safety for Aboriginal women and girls.

"We are delighted to receive federal funding for this project, which will significantly enhance leadership capacity among young Aboriginal women," said Ms. Tatiana Fraser, co-founder and Executive Director of Girls Action Foundation. "With the skills to take on leadership roles in eliminating violence and discrimination, these inspiring women will experience both personal empowerment and social change first-hand."  

"It is a critical time for young Aboriginal women to come together and make our voices heard through these important community leadership initiatives," said Jessica Yee, Executive Director of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network, one of the project's partner organizations.

Minister Ambrose took the opportunity to note that Canada is playing a leadership role in a United Nations Resolution to proclaim September 22 the International Day of the Girl.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and our country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to $19 million, its highest level ever.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

Footer

Date Modified:
2011-07-04