Region's Women's Support Network gets funding boost for gender equality

Federal government announces Newmarket-based organization will receive $230,680 to continue work

Yorkregion.com
May 29, 2019
Teresa Latchford

Women’s Support Network of York Region gets $230,680 funding boost from the federal government.

The Newmarket-based organization that provides vital community services that allow women and girls to be financially secure, free from violence and able to fully participate in all aspects of the local economy and society has been awarded the funding to ensure it can continue providing essential supports to women and their families.

Newmarket-Aurora MP Kyle Peterson made the announcement pointing out that for far too long organizations like these have been chronically underfunded, underestimated and undermined.

“We have seen our community grow quickly since we opened our doors 27 years ago. Our need to upgrade and expand the services we provide also requires changes to our internal strategies,” WSN Executive Director Jacqueline Benn-John said. “We are very thankful for the federal government’s funding commitment. It will allow us to revitalize and modernize to build a stronger agency in York Region that will provide more effective services and support to women and other survivors of sexual violence.”

The funds will specifically be used to continue its work eradicating sexual violence and promoting gender equality by building financial sustainability and applying a fairness lens, known as Gender-based Analysis Plus, to improve the organization’s governance. This means the organization will be able to offer more effective tools and support to survivors to better address their unique circumstances.

“I am proud that our government is providing significant funding for the vital services that the Women’s Support Network of York Region provides in our community and throughout the area, by supporting women and girls to be financially secure, free from violence, and providing an opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of our economy and society,” Peterson said. “Women’s groups across the country have asked for a reliable, predictable and accessible source of funds to ensure the sustainability of their work.”

He added that the Canadian government recognizes women’s organizations are the “lifeblood” of the women’s movement and that maintaining and growing the work they do is the most effective way to advance gender equality.