Government of Canada supports Korean-Canadian women working to end violence
against women

TORONTO, Aug. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator for British Columbia, today announced Government of Canada support for a new project that addresses the issue of violence against women within the Korean community of Toronto.

"As Minister for Status of Women, I am proud that the Government of Canada is leaving no stone unturned in supporting safe communities and environments for Canadian women," said Minister Ambrose. "Through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, our Government will continue to deliver concrete results for women and girls in all communities across our diverse country."

Senator Martin announced that the Korean Canadian Women's Association (KCWA) Family and Social Services is receiving $74,592 through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada for its project entitled FEM (Free and Empower Me).

To qualify for funding under the Women's Program, projects must work to promote equality and the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

"Through my work with the Korean Canadian Women's Association, I have witnessed their supreme dedication to encourage and motivate vulnerable members of our community to live free from violence, poverty and inequity," said Senator Martin. "Through this project in particular, the Korean Canadian Women's Association (KCWA) Family and Social Services is encouraging the Korean community in the Toronto area to face violence against women, address it and take steps to end it."

"Our 24-month project will provide leadership training to 60 young Korean-Canadian women, who will then take on the role of mentors and role models to others in addressing the issue of violence against women," said Ms. Younglee Ha, Executive Director of the KCWA. "They will provide peer-led training to 300 girls aged 16 to 19 years, identifying barriers to their full participation in society, and conducting creative outreach activities to engage the community in finding lasting solutions."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects like these because they yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada, while strengthening our families, our communities and our country.

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

For further information: Jonah Mozeson, Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, 613-799-1609; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, 613-995-7839