NDP Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2023

NDP critic for Women and Gender Equality Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) issued the following statement:

“On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, New Democrats reiterate our commitment to fight for change and ensure the safety and well-being of women, girls and gender-diverse people.

In 2022, 184 women and girls were violently killed, primarily by men, and more than four in 10 women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The statistics are even more dire for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA individuals.

Major municipalities across the country are calling this growing violence against women an epidemic. More needs to be done to ensure women and girls are safe.

There is an urgent need for more low-barrier spaces that women and gender-diverse people can access when fleeing violence, and this government hasn’t stepped up. The Liberals cut 150 million dollars for women’s shelters earlier this year, and they’ve committed no new funding for women’s initiatives or help for women and gender-diverse people who are trying to leave abusive situations.

There was no mention in the Fall Economic Statement of investments to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, something the Prime Minister has acknowledged as an ongoing genocide. New Democrats, along with advocates and family members, have called on the government to take urgent action to address this ongoing genocide—including the creation of a Red Dress Alert.

We know there is a direct correlation between rates of violence and poverty. A guaranteed livable basic income would provide the necessary resources for women, girls and gender-diverse people to be able to leave unsafe situations and uphold their right to live in dignity.

As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence begin, New Democrats renew our commitment and efforts to fight for the elimination of violence against women, girls and gender-diverse people.”