The AMC marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and 16 days of activism against gender-based violence
November 25, 2020
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) marks November 25, 2020 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It is also the first day of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence running to December 10, which is World Human Rights Day.
AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the AMC reiterates its longstanding position of advancing First Nations Women’s rights and affirms its solemn duty to ensure gender-equality. While the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 16 Days of Activism, and World Human Rights Day are excellent opportunities to acknowledge, call out, speak up and condemn gender-based violence, any kind of violence against women should never be accepted in our societies at any time or on any day of the year. Every human being deserves to live, work and study in a safe environment free from violence; however, we know that many face violence every day because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender.”
“In the midst of a global pandemic, we know that the prevalence of violence against women is exacerbated due to many factors. COVID-19 has displayed numerous gaps within our systems of support and equality for First Nations women. I acknowledge the federal government for recognizing these gaps and for providing additional resources for women fleeing violence and abuse during the pandemic. However, it should not take a pandemic for the federal government to act to protect women in Manitoba and, on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, I call on the federal and provincial governments to continue to support First Nations’ efforts to advance Women’s rights,” concluded Grand Chief Dumas.
The federal government has a gender equality agenda interwoven throughout its policies, but the First Nations women in Manitoba have yet to be supported for a First Nations Women’s advocacy organization despite many calls from the AMC for the establishment of such an organization.