Harper Government Partners with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women to Address Violence Against Women and Girls

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, and Kyle Seeback, Member of Parliament for Brampton West, announced Government of Canada support for a project to address violence committed in the name of so-called "honour."

"Eliminating violence against women and girls is a priority for our government," said Minister Leitch. "I am proud to support this important project. It is only by working together and enhancing our knowledge and understanding of these issues that we will end all forms of violence against women and girls."

"The Harper Government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all women and girls all across Canada," said Mr. Seeback. "This project is an example of that commitment. It will help protect women and girls from family violence, both here in the Toronto area, and in communities throughout the country."

The Canadian Council of Muslim Women is receiving $306,040 in Government of Canada funding for its 24-month national project entitled Violence Against Women: Health and Justice for Canadian Muslim Women. The project will enable Muslim women and girls, as well as men and boys, to examine the impact of violence against women and girls within their communities, including violence committed in the name of so-called "honour." It will also enable community-based service providers to better support clients of diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds in ending violence.

Founded in 1982, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) is a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Muslim women achieve equality and equity through local chapters in various Canadian cities.

"We are pleased to receive the Government of Canada's support for this exciting new project that will advance equality and empowerment for Muslim women in Canada," said Ms. Alia Hogben, Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women. "Many women and girls in Canada will benefit from this project."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting over 640 projects. Since 2007, Status of Women Canada has invested more than $62 million in funding for projects to end violence against women and girls.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: 

Jan O'Driscoll
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected] 

For all other inquiries, contact: 

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: [phone]

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