Skip seeking credit, get the job done

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This article was published 05/12/2023 (1002 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Five. That is the number of women or girls that are killed every hour by someone in their family. Every 12 minutes, somewhere in the world, one of these brutal and senseless acts of domestic violence occurs. Further, almost one in three women have been physically or sexually violated at some point in their life. These are sobering statistics.

Ending gender-based violence is heart-wrenching, tireless work. Here in Winnipeg, we are fortunate to have many advocates who are helping build security and safety for those most vulnerable. But as numerous as these amazing people and their organizations are, the sad reality is that Manitoba leads the country in prevalence of this violence. More always needs to be done.

Since 1981, the United Nations has declared Nov. 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It is a worldwide call to action for ending gender-based violence. It is a time when society comes together to reflect on the prevalence of violence against women and girls, while demanding greater advancement through legislation, awareness, and investment.

In keeping with tradition, the NDP government issued a press release on this day and the PC opposition put out a statement on social media. The PC post, offering a commitment to preventing and putting an end to violence against women and girls, was immediately panned because of insensitive advertisements the party ran during the last provincial election.

The political ads, in case anyone needs reminding, were reiterating a commitment to “Stand Firm” against a decision to search the landfill for the remains of slain Indigenous women. It was a heinous campaign and one that is deeply regretted by many people in the party, or at least ones I’ve spoken with, including former candidates like myself.

Granted, if I were still a member of that caucus, despite the fact it was our previous government who signed on to the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in Manitoba and modernized the funding formula for many agencies that offer front-line support, I would hang my head in reflection this time of year. I would use these 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence to host caucus conversations and party discussions about what it means to be a feminist and an ally, and how we could advance ending gender-based violence all throughout the year.

But does this mean the caucus doesn’t have the right to say anything at all on this topic?

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine certainly thinks so. She was quick to pounce on the PCs on X, saying they have no credibility on this issue and should “sit this one out.”

Fair enough. But is she implying that only political parties and caucuses that are without a trace of misogyny have any right to speak out against gender-based violence? If that’s the case, I think most caucuses in the nation — including her own — would also have to “sit this one out.”

Misogyny is deeply rooted, sadly, in so many institutions, including (or especially) political parties, just as the politicization of “women’s rights” has become a growing industry keeping pace with the desire of many political leaders to capitalize on this issue in effort to garner more women’s votes. Hence the reason for all polling companies that offer credible advice to political parties to break down most issues by gender.

Having said that, what good would it serve anyone if the PCs, or any tarnished political caucus for that matter, decided to “sit this one out”?

Doesn’t the absolute magnitude and scope of gender-based violence in our society demand everyone think about ways in which they can be part of a solution?

I believe newly elected PC critic Lauren Stone, who spoke on this issue in the Legislative chamber on Nov. 25, wants to be part of a solution, and for that I give her credit. Minister Fontaine, who is a fierce women’s advocate and has a tremendous opportunity to help innumerable people in our community in her capacity as minister, would do well to welcome anyone who wants to help into the conversation.

After all, there is enough work to go around.

And as often stated, it is truly amazing what can be accomplished when you don’t care who gets the credit.

Rochelle Squires is a recovering politician after serving 7 1/2 years in the Manitoba legislature. She is a political and social commentator whose column appears Tuesdays. rochelle@rochellesquires.ca