What is Intersectional Feminism?

November 25, 2020

Welcome to our December newsletter. This month officially marks the end of 2020, the year many feel will never end considering the pandemic lock-downs, dramatic changes to worklife and the endemic feeling of uncertainty and anxiety regarding the second wave of Covid-19.

November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and it marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which all of the Women's Resource Centres and many women serving organizations around the world will observe.

In the middle of these 16 days, falls one of the most tragic days in Canadian history. December 6th, 1989, demanded a day to be legislated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women when 14 women were massacred in one man's futile fight against feminism. The 16 Days of Activism ends on Dec 10th, a landmark day around the world, where nations agreed that all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status have the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights and others without discrimination.

While the world still has a long way to go to ensure these basic human rights we have made some progress. One way, we at Connect aim to push forward the idea of equity and dignity for all, is by using a feminist intersectional approach to all of our work.

While anyone in Canada can experience violence, women (source), girls and young women (source), Indigenous women and girls (source), lesbian, gay and bisexual people (source), women living with a disability (source) and women living in rural and remote regions (source) are at greater risk of violence.
Women in Canada are more likely than men to experience intimate partner violence. According to the 2018 police-reported data, women accounted for almost 8 in 10 victims (79%) of intimate partner violence. (source)
In Canada, women also account for the vast majority of victims of intimate partner homicides. According to police-reported data, women accounted for close to 8 in 10 victims (77%) of intimate partner homicides committed in 2018 in Canada. (source)

Violence is always the responsibility of the abuser and is never justifiable. Violence against women transcends class, culture, race, and ethnicity. For immediate help, call 1-866-863-0511.