Funding announced to address gender-based violence in Nunavut

Iqaluit – Gender equality depends on all people having the opportunity to participate fully in Canada’s economic, social and political life. Removing the systemic barriers impeding women’s progress and advancement, as well as building capacity to address gender-based violence, will ensure a better future for all Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced close to $2 million for four organizations in Nunavut:

• Qikiqtani Inuit Association will receive $330,000 for their education, awareness and engagement campaign targeted at increasing Qikiqtani Inuit women’s involvement in political and community leadership.
• Kitikmeot Friendship Society will receive $500,000 to increase its ability and capacity to address and prevent gender-based violence with a focus on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community by creating an advisory group and organizing community consultations.
• Ilitaqsiniq will receive $625,000 to build capacity for staff training, recruitment and retention efforts, as well as the development of a 2SLGBTQQIA+ pan-northern partnership network to prevent and address gender-based violence.
• Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society will receive $540,000 to increase the knowledge of gender-based violence faced by disabled Inuit women and girls in Nunavut. The organization will conduct research and create a space for women to share their lived experiences.

Investing in areas of capacity-building will help organizations address and eliminate the systemic barriers that prevent women’s full participation in political, social and economic spheres, and address the root causes of gender-based violence.