News
remaining RebELLES
by | Nov 24, 2008
The idea was to attract feminists with different political views, identities, cultures and languages, then to discuss ways to reinforce the young feminists’ movement. “All of the things that we are still fighting for in terms of being equal and in terms of having fair services or fair anything, we need a movement and a generation to carry it on,” said Jessica Yee. At the end of Toujours RebELLES, participants created a document meant to take their actions and concerns into the future. read more
the Pan-Canadian Young Feminist Gathering: catch a Wave of Resistance, October 11–13, 2008
by | Oct 1, 2008
On the weekend before Canada’s federal election, young feminist women will get together in Montreal. Participants are expected to come from every province and territory, and represent a wide diversity of experiences and backgrounds. Waves of Resistance is “a call to young women from all over Canada to meet each other and see that they are not alone, and that feminism is not only pertinent but vital to our generation.” Registration is allowed until the first day of the conference. read more
report: homeless women in Canada
by | Aug 22, 2008
Two recent reports shed new and disturbing light on the unique circumstances and particular hardships faced by homeless women in Canada. Rarely is the public given the insight into the specifics of homeless women’s daily lives that these documents provide. read more
living with violence: a national report on domestic abuse in Afghanistan, Global Rights: Partners for Justice
by | Jul 4, 2008
The high levels of violence taking place within Afghan households indicates an environment in which women are valued less than men. Situating domestic violence within an international human rights framework is important: it shifts responsibility for responding to domestic violence away from a moral or charitable act of individuals and converts it into also being a binding legal obligation of the government. read more
I come here speaking from my heart
by | Jun 12, 2008
My ancestors ... tried hard to fight against you because they knew what was happening. They knew what was coming, but we have had so much impact from colonization and that is what we are dealing with today ... Women have taken the brunt of it all ... What is it that this government is going to do in the future to help our people? read more
a new day has dawned
by | Jun 12, 2008
On June 11, 2008, Mary Simon stood in the House of Commons and made a statement in response to the historic apology to former students of Indian residential schools. The words of the president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami are themselves historic: “I stand here today ready to work with you, as Inuit have always done, to craft new solutions and new arrangements based on mutual respect and mutual responsibility.” read more
report from British Columbia: building a highway of hope
by | May 13, 2008
The Highway of Tears community forums have travelled across British Columbia, bringing messages of empowerment through pride of culture to youth living in remote regions. We have been blessed to witness the incredible force of youth, who simply need an avenue to make their voices heard. We can assure you that they are ready to take on the world, and change it for the better. read more
An Act to amend the Criminal Code: Bill C-484, private member’s bill passes second reading - so what’s next?
by | Mar 11, 2008
The Unborn Victims of Crime Act passed second reading last week. Now, a dozen Members of Parliament – one woman and 11 men – will consider the next steps for this proposed law. It is the perfect time for you to contact the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights with your thoughts about Bill C-484. read more
peace: Afghan women and security
by | Feb 6, 2008
While there are a few historical references to women, gender, females and girls in the 90-page report by the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan, how the current situation affects them is not seriously explored. Neither is what Canada can do about it. As the political parties debate about our involvement, there is one unanswered question: How central an issue do we really consider the future of women there to be? read more
feminist bloggers face online harassment
by | Nov 22, 2007
While it is being used against feminists, the borderless Internet also serves as a way to counter attacks. Canadian bloggers are using the medium to connect with each other in this country and around the world. They are learning ways to respond, developing networks, and breaking away from feelings of isolation – of being alone in the struggle. read more
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Blog Entry
welcome to section15.ca
Thursday April 9 | 11:03 AM
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Seasonal Feature
October 18, 1929: Persons Case
This is a hugely important date in the legal history of women as it marks the moment Canada’s women added, “persons of right and privilege” to their standing of “persons in matters of pains and penalties.” This is a story about the process, led by Emily Murphy from 1916–1927, when the petition was signed to reconsider the definition of women, to the monumental day in 1929. Since then, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund has continued to press for changes to laws that affect women. read more