This paper looks at the application of alternative feminist theories and practices to CRIAW's work on social and economic justice work towards equality for women. Intersectional Feminist Frameworks (IFFs) is the emerging vision being put forward as the way to understand and address gender inqualities. This is critical reflection piece that examines the approaches and principles of intersectional feminist approaches, explores the historical context nationally and internationally, and considers applications at the current juncture in specific areas of social justice for women work, including Immigrant and Refugee Women and Anti-Poverty Campaigns.
This research project aims to analyze and document the experiences of poor and racialized women in the urban centre of Toronto. The research was conducted by engaging community workers, advocates, and policy analysts by exploring their stories through the context of public and governent policies at all levels. The research analyzes a wide variety of experiences with poverty and employment barriers & discrimination, lack of access to education, criminalization of women on social assistance/welfare, the housing crisis, abuse, violence, and harassment, mental and physical health, and public recreation. It also provides ideas and initiatives for community-based women's groups and services, and recommendations for housing, social assistance, and childcare.
This research highlight from the CMHC reports on a study done to investigate if landlords disciminate against battered women. The results indicate that there is housing discrimination against women who are leaving abusive relaitonships, though the underlying reasons are not clear and need further exploration.
This report explores the growing evidence of the strong links between violence against women and children and significant physical and mental health impairment, and risky health behaviours. As well as physical injuries and death, long-term consequences of experiencing violence include mental health problems, which in turn contribute ot health risks and increased risk of further violence. There is also research that suggests longer term chronic diseases may be associated with violent victimization. This report looks at both intiimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence.
Historical struggles to bring about legal aid services to low income people did not take into account the legal needs of women as a diverse and distinct constituency. As a result, low income women have not received substantive euality of access to the justice system, despite this being the intent of the legal aid program. This qualitative study of women's experiences of trying to access civil legal aid services shows that the system is intimidating and confusing; that coverage criteria are frustrating and limit women's capacity to get needed legal services; and that many felt the quality of legal aid services they received were poor quality and they were not treated with respect by their lawyers. Women with disabilities, immigrant and refugee women, abused women and Aboriginal women encouter additional difficulties trying to access legal aid.
This toolkit is designed as a guide to assist service providers in dealing with cases of forced marriage in Ontario and to facilitate open discussion with different stakeholders, including youth an dtheir families. It contains practical information fo rthe identification and prevention of forced marriage as well as strategies for intervetion. It will be useful to service providers, teachers, social workers, child and youth workers, and many othes who provide services or supports to women coping with forced marriage.