Around the world, gender equality is the most prevalent issue women face, says Almas Jiwani, president of the National Committee of United Nations Women Canada. “Gender equality is not universal.” UN statistics show women bear the burden of most of the world’s poverty, they are still underpaid compared to men, hold fewer leadership positions, and suffer more often as victims of violence and systemic discrimination.
And when women come to communities like Hamilton from places where equality is nonexistent — even as a concept — it is our job to educate them that equality is something we reach for here.
“They don’t know what gender equality means,” says Jiwani. “So it is crucial to help women navigate their new lives in Canada, even if they perceive gender equality on different terms than most Canadians.”
Jiwani, who lives in Mississauga, will be speaking in Hamilton, at 2011 event to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. She says she is aware of the recent bankruptcy of the Settlement and Integration Services Organization and she hopes other agencies step in quickly to fill the gaps.
“I think that raising awareness of the resources and services available is crucial for successful integration of newly arrived women in Canada,” she says. “Service providers have an important role to play in this. They all need to work together to support public education campaigns to increase awareness of the services available for new immigrants.”
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/496825--immigrant-women-need-to-learn-about-gender-equality
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