Breaking the silence on acts of violence committed in the name of honour

OTTAWA, May 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women expressed the Government of Canada's continued support for breaking the silence on acts of violence committed in the name of "honour". To help raise awareness of this serious issue in Canada, she was accompanied by Aruna Pappe and Barbara Kay at the launch of their book entitled Unworthy Creature: A Punjabi Daughter's Memoir of Honour, Shame and Love.

"Our Government is committed to protecting women, girls and other vulnerable persons from all forms of violence, and holding offenders accountable for their acts," said Minister Ambrose. "I commend Aruna Pappe and Barbara Kay for drawing attention to these acts of violence committed in the name of "honour" with their new book."

"I hope that my book will encourage community leaders from all countries where gendered inequities flourish to break the silence on, and the cycle of, honour-motivated abuse," said Aruna Papp.

"Aruna Papp's lonely journey from 'unworthiness' to a full embrace of Canadian gender equality will hopefully inspire change throughout our society," said Barbara Kay. "We especially want to see an end to harmful acts committed in the name of "honour" against other girls and women whose untold stories of violence echo those of Aruna."

In commending Aruna Papp on her courage to speak out, Minister Ambrose said "this is the incredible life story of a girl who is typical in her spirit, her desire to thrive and her anger at injustice. It also shows a woman bearing courageous witness to the terrors of violence committed in the name of "honour", and the severe consequences that arise when women are not considered equal in dignity to men. Aruna Papp demonstrates that the barbaric practices associated with "honour" motivated violence have no place in Canada, and that we must reject them using clear language of freedom and equality."

The federal government recognizes that only by working together and enhancing our knowledge and understanding of this issue will we end all forms of violence against women and girls.

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

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.