Newcomers and refugees in Canada call for more resources to end gender-based violence

BY RUSHANE FERRON

One hundred and sixty newcomers and asylum seekers in Canada from near and far gathered at 163 Queen Street East in downtown Toronto, on November 28^th, 2024, calling for more resources to bolster efforts aimed at ending gender-based violence, while praising the resilience of survivors.

This forms part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence being observed nationally from November 25^th to December 10^th, 2024, under the theme: “Come Together, Act Now.”

Personal stories of survivors of gender-based violence, as recounted by those in attendance at the event, painted a grim picture of the negative effects of this societal issue on the lives of those affected. These stories include discrimination they face because of their: gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender, which is a violation of human rights

The event, a collaboration between Hope for Refugees International and Uplift Black, was uniquely designed by refugees and newcomers to raise awareness of the challenges faced by survivors within these communities and to inspire action.

It featured speeches from notable figures such as the Hon. Charmaine A. Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, and Dr. Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s. Both leaders praised the resilience of gender-based violence survivors and emphasized the need for targeted strategies to create safe and equitable spaces for marginalized groups.

Yamikani Msosa, Executive Director of the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, delivered a compelling keynote address. They highlighted the unique vulnerabilities of refugees and newcomers, including cultural stigma, precarious immigration status, and displacement, while calling for community-driven approaches to support survivors and dismantle harmful social norms.

A panel discussion titled, “Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Refugee and Newcomer Communities,” featured a powerful and highly informative discussion on the intersection of gender-based violence (GBV) with the experiences of refugees and newcomers. The session highlighted key issues such as: cultural sensitivity, legal protections, harmful norms, and human trafficking, examining how these factors contribute to GBV in marginalized communities.

Winfred Ikilai, a newcomer and advocate, outlined how: housing and economic insecurity, social isolation, and systemic barriers exacerbate risks of GBV for refugees and asylum seekers.

Meanwhile, Danielle Warren from Aura Freedom discussed the role of education and community awareness in preventing human trafficking and GBV within newcomer communities.

Nicole Teodosiu of Victim Services Toronto highlighted the need for accessible, multilingual support and streamlined legal processes for survivors.

Diana Grimaldos from United Way Greater Toronto also called for increased funding for grassroots initiatives addressing GBV in marginalized communities.

Teresa Dremetsikas, Program Manager at the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, emphasized the importance of trauma-informed care in empowering survivors and breaking cycles of violence. This session highlighted strategies to overcome systemic barriers and enhance access to essential services for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, including refugees, newcomers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The discussion explored critical support areas such as: housing, legal aid, healthcare, and mental health services, focusing on empowering survivors and ensuring their protection. Participants collaboratively identified solutions for creating inclusive, survivor-centered pathways to services that foster resilience and recovery.