Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell (LFPR), which aims to increase the number of women in political and community leadership positions across the region, and the members of the Table Concertées pour l’égalité (roundtable for equality) have officially launched their study of the status of women in Prescott-Russell and systemic barriers to equality of genres. The study was an essential step for the members of the Table to have a clear understanding of the status of women in Prescott-Russell. The study focused on four categories:
Health and social equity – Issues that affect women’s resilience and overall health
Justice and security – Treatment of women in matters of justice
Economy and entrepreneurship – Women’s participation in economic prosperity
Politics and governance – Participation of women in decision-making places.
In addition, from February 20 to International Women’s Day on March 8, an awareness campaign Élevons nos voix.com (Let’s raise our voices.com) was held to raise awareness among organizations, political decision-makers and the public about the condition of women as well as inequalities related to gender in Prescott-Russell. The initiative is dedicated to promoting the improvement of the status of women and denouncing systemic barriers to gender equality in the Prescott-Russell region. Those barriers include social and geographic isolation, a lack of women in politics, a lack of transportation, mental health support, difficult to access childcare, insufficient resources for victims, and difficulties in coordinating efforts against violence against women.
On February 28, roundtable co-presidents Marie-Noëlle Lanthier of LFPR and Audray Lizotte of the United Way of Eastern Ontario appeared before United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) council to discuss the roundtable and campaign.
Lanthier, a former councillor in The Nation Municipality, noted there is currently a toxic climate in politics in general, and referred to the recent resignation of Gatineau Mayor France Belisle, who stepped down citing challenging and threatening situations she had been encountering.
Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie, who is the only female mayor in Prescott and Russell said she has experienced nothing but kindness from her colleagues on UCPR council. She said she is pleased to work with LFPR on encouraging more women to enter local politics.
“This isn’t about women, this isn’t about feminism, this is about social justice,” Lajoie said, adding societal norms need to change.
Lajoie is still hoping the Ontario government recognizes violence against women as an epidemic in the province and follows a previous resolution adopted by UCPR council declaring it an epidemic. Lajoie also said women often face barriers to childcare, and lower salaries.
“You’re often paid less,” she remarked.
Clarence-Rockland Mayor Mario Zanth said the lack of civility in local government does not always involve interactions with citizens.
“Sometimes the respect lacks at the council table,” he commented.
Zanth said he knows there are mayors who fight daily just to be able to communicate effectively.
