Annual Report - UNPAC (Mb) 1998 - 1999

UN Platform for Action Committee (Manitoba)

Membership Committee Report

Activities since the last Annual General Meeting included:

As of June, 1998, sixty-three of the former ninety-eight members had re-joined. Membership at present is at seventy, including six organizations and twelve new members.

Recommendations:

Thank you to Lydia Giles for maintaining computer lists of members and to all who assisted in encouraging women to join or re-join. Thank you also to all members for this opportunity to serve as Membership Chair for these last two years.

Respectfully submitted,
Audrey McClelland, Chair

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GLOBAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE REPORT

1998-99

Co-Chairs: Monica Singh and Gisèle Saurette-Roch

The committee was asked by the UNPAC Co-ordinating Committee to brainstorm areas of focus. Types of action to be undertaken included collecting information, informing, speaking out, supporting, developing networks, making recommendations to appropriate decision-making bodies, and passing resolutions within the program of Action, either for the Global Outreach Committee or to the Co-ordinating Committee for UNPAC endorsement. Three areas of focus were chosen: Violence from War, Violence from Poverty, and Violence from Culture, Religion, and Politics. Monthly meetings were held at 5:30 pm, mostly at the home of Muriel Smith.

On a strictly national level, we received an update on Gisèle’s participation at the CRIAW Beijing +5 Pan-Canadian Consultation held in Ottawa, Feb. 11-14 (linking violence and poverty, linking above to national trends and working to shift those trends toward greater equality, using international fora to leverage national action and vice versa, encouraging women to play more active roles in science and technology, particularly as they relate to environmentally sustainable development, monitoring international events and institutions, and working to make these more equitable). She also brought back charts on the Human Rights structure at the UN, and a questionnaire being distributed to Canadian women to identify the information and tools they need to advance the Beijing agenda.

At year end, Gisèle was invited to join the Canadian NGO delegation to the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York. Their topics of focus were health and institutional mechanisms (Mary Scott had submitted an overview and critique of Canadian mechanisms). We look forward to hearing a report on the experience.

Links were maintained throughout the year with many organizations: e.g. YM-YWCA, Bahai, Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, United Nations Association, Empowering Women of Burma, Council of Women of Winnipeg, Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, National Council of Women of Canada, Physicians for Global Survival, Federation of Medical Women, Development and Peace, Reseau, UNIFEM, University Women’s Club, Manitoba Action Committee on the Status of Women, Mennonite Central Committee, Coalition of Churches, Manitoba Advisory Council, Voices.

We also maintained a watching brief on issues acted on the previous year: the plight of women in Afghanistan under the Taliban and the practice of female genital mutilation.

Activities during the year can be roughly grouped under the following headings:

Violence from War

Violence from Poverty

Violence from Culture, Religion, and Politics

The year was busy and varied. The usual problems of focus remained with so many different interests and concerns, but a good deal was accomplished, with the committee sometimes operating alone, and often in cooperation with like-minded groups. There does not appear to be any systematic way to monitor Government action or inaction, but the Internet has proven an invaluable tool for at least keeping us informed of what others are doing. All in all, the practice of responding to member concerns seems to have worked very well. The committee recommended that Monica Singh and Gisèle Saurette-Roch continue as co-chairs for the following year.

Community Action Committee

This year the Community Action Committee focussed its activities on supporting a young women’s project. The GRRRL Talk Series evolved from last year’s UNPAC Conference: “Girls Today, Women Tomorrow”. Deborah Stienstra, Robby Simpson, and Nancy Buchanan assisted Molly McCracken in planning and coordinating the first GRRRL Talk Event in October, 1998. Nineteen young women and men attended the successful event at Rogue’s Gallery and discussed “youth and body image”. From this initial event, a core group of young women has continued to meet to coordinate five subsequent GRRRL Talk events where participants have discussed issues including “Relationships”, “Identity”, and “Human Rights”.

UNPAC’s approach in supporting the series was to assist the young women in getting the initiative off the ground and to provide any support they might require. A major objective was to provide an opportunity for young women to identify their own areas of interest, and for them to coordinate events to meet those needs. We feel that the GRRRL Talk Event has met this objective, primarily through the leadership skills and commitment of Molly McCracken and Allison Graham Myers. We look forward to building on the success of these workshops next year.

In addition to the young women’s series, Deborah Stienstra and Nancy Buchanan met with Pat Martin, MLA, on behalf of the Fair Share Campaign to emphasize the inadequate funding of women’s programs. Mr. Martin prepared and forwarded a letter reflecting our concerns to the Minister of Finance.

We look forward to continuing to work with young women next year, and to other community initiatives.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Buchanan

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UNPAC Events Committee Report

(1998 - 1999)

The Events Committee evolved from the former Conference Committee. The mandate of the committee expanded to include coordination of several events, rather than a single conference. Three events, each with a unique format was the goal set for 1998 - 1999.

Following the wind-up of last year’s successful conference Girls Today, Women Tomorrow and a summer recess, a core group of 7 - 15 members met regularly at the Women’s Resource Centre at the YM-YWCA. Usually meeting the second Tuesday of the month, meetings increased closer to planned events in order to fine tune the details.

At the time of this report, two of the three events have been completed.

Preparing for Beijing + 5 was held Friday evening, February 26, at the University of Winnipeg. Moderated by Deborah Steinstra, this event featured presentations by a number of women actively involved in preparations for Beijing + 5 - the five year evaluation of progress made on the Platform of Action. Joan Grant Cummings spoke on Young Women Taking Charge on Global Issues into the Next Millennium; Cindy Hanson and Gisèle Saurette Roch spoke on Organizing Locally, Coordinating Nationally: Experiences from the National Consultation. The presentations were followed by a period of questions and answer. The evening concluded with social networking.

Working with the Global Committee Women’s Rights are Human Rights was a two day event March 26 - 27, held at Crossways in Common in Winnipeg. The keynote address Applying Women’s International Human Rights in Canada was given by Madame Justice Claire Le Heureux-Dubé, who also chaired the tribunal on Saturday morning. Several women made thought provoking, moving presentations of personal experiences. The afternoon saw breakout groups focusing on actions and recommendations.

At the time of this report, the Outreach Committee is putting the finishing touches on Counting Women’s Work, a symposium to be held in Brandon on Saturday, May 1 featuring a variety of activities and presentations. Evelyn Drescher and Shelagh Day will be guest speakers; there will be round table discussions, networking opportunities and a number of informative sessions.

It has been a busy year indeed for the Events Committee. Personal and professional schedules resulted in dynamic meetings — with not always the same faces around the table! However, true to feminist process, there was continuity through sharing of information and resources. Since January, the Committee was ably assisted by Catherine Hakim, hired as Events Coordinator.

Justine Kiwanuka served as Chair of the Committee for this year. Nancy Buchanan will be the Chair of the Events Committee for 1999 - 2000.

Respectfully submitted by Roberta Bishop
April, 1999

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Communications

The Communications focus for this year has been the publication and distribution to members of two issues of “Postings from UNPAC”, one in November, 1998 and the other in February, 1999. The Coordinating Committee has served as the committee for Communications, providing information in a variety of ways and supporting my efforts. The UNPAC(MB) table-top display has been taken to a number of events to promote interest in people joining UNPAC and to give information from the Beijing conference. An updated UNPAC(MB) brochure has been produced.

The UNPAC(MB) web site at http://www.freenet.mb.ca/unpac continues to be maintained by Mary Scott. This home page provides useful background on the Platform for Action, access to the most recent reports applicable to the Twelve Critical Areas, a continually updated list of events hosted by UNPAC and like-minded organizations, and connections to other sites. Mary’s work has created an attractive and vibrant home page. Thank you very much.

Much planning and policy discussion need to be done to keep members more connected with UNPAC and to provide coordination of efforts in people’s already busy lives. Ideas on the use of different media than print need to be explored to give more people access to the work and direction of UNPAC.

Thank you to Coordinating Committee members for your assistance and encouragement. This has been a year of learning for me, with some frustration at the lack of time and expertise on my part for a complete job of communicating with the organization’s members in Winnipeg and across the province. Communication and the use of technology is a challenge that the whole organization needs to address.

Respectfully submitted,
Audrey Myers

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U.N.P.A.C. Manitoba Outreach Project 1998


$350 Dauphin Ochre River School Division
— Charlotte Pennell 330 Mountain Road,
Dauphin R7N 2V6 (204) 638-8l30

As a way of bringing attention to the issues of Women and Education as well as, women and economics, they invited women from various male dominated vocations to come and speak to young women at the high school level. Honorariums ($200) and costs ($l50) COMPLETED May 5-7, l998

$385 International Midwifery Day Committee
— contacts Pam Mackay and Meaghan Moon
28 Noonan Drive, Brandon, R7B 0V8 (204)727-6008

Annual event to draw attention to need for women to access midwifery practices. Opportunity for women to gather, educate and explore options regarding the practice of midwifery. Media publicity of event generous in print and TV. UNPAC was acknowledged on posters and by speakers, one of whom was Ms. Haworth-Brockman, Chair of Equity and Access Committee of the Midwidery Implementation Council (MIC, now the Interim College of Midwives).

Funding assisted local activity through advocacy in Brandon. COMPLETED May 5, l998.

$250 Marquis Project’s Youth Assembly “Shattered Dreams: Child Labour and Youth Exploitation” — contact: Zack Gross and Grant Bomek;
711 Rosser Ave. Brandon, R7A 0K8 (204) 727-5675

This was the final installment ($250) of a grant which was approved the previous year, but the event had not been completed til this funding year. The Assembly had 20 student participants exploring the issue of Labour and Youth Exploitation. Speakers included Muriel Smith, Deputy Premier of Manitoba and currently Pres. of the UN Association in Canada. Nellie McClung Theatre Troupe did a workshop and a performance on gender issues and the portrayal of women; Perry Bergson, a Brandon Sun journalist; David Major, Brandon business entrepreneur who had visited Thailand and Burma to see refugee camps; Kevin Tacan, a native elder; GariLyn Donohoe from the International Red Cross were also speakers. COMPLETED March 20/98.

$500 Parkland Status of Women — contact Rosemary Friesen,
Box 23, Dauphin, Manitoba R7N 2T9 (204) 638-3599

Brought Nellie McLung Theatre group for performance on 4/l9/98. Performance dealt with body image, child labour and other various political issue for women. 60-70 men and women attended performance. Good Media coverage and public involvement. COMPLETED Apr.29/98

$500 Real Respect Gender Journey — contact Audrey Myers,
Box 835 Carman, R0G 0J0 (204)745-200l

One day conference for students, mostly girls grades 7-l2. Panel presentation focusing on concerns and issues of body image, dating violence, substance abuse, sexual harassment. (included drama, wellness, healing circles) Workshops by Alvera Plett on Harassment; Panel discussions with students; Kara Penner on Harassment; Dennis Wilton on The Male Perspective; Monique Gauthier on Teen Pregnancy; Claudette Petrin on Sexual Harassment; Dale Misiabit on Native Healing Circles; Debra Bruce on Body Image; Glenn Hall on Gender journey through Drama. COMPLETED March ll,l998.

$500 TARAS Vision — contact Kathryn Strachan,
Box 446, Ste. Rose du Lac, R0L lS0 (204) 447-3055

Helped to provide a l0 week support group which began April 22 and completed June 24, l998. Each session was 2.5 hours. Four registrants (2 native women; 2 white, ages 20-40). Co-facilitator was Marilyn Roe.

Addressed key issues related to aftermath of sexual abuse; breaking the silence about the abuse, coping with anger; grieving losses, learning new trust and issues around sexuality. COMPLETED June l998.

$3l8.11 Women in the 90’s — Crocus Plains Regional High School — contacts Kathy Bonk and Cindy Hanson,
l930 - 1st. Street, Brandon, R7A 6Y6 (204) 729-3914

Group meets on scheduled noon hours to discuss issues particularly pertinent to young women in grades senior l-4. topics addressed body image; influence of media on female perceptions; smoking; drinking. Funds were specifically used to purchase resources (books and videos) to facilitate these sessions. COMPLETED May 26, l998

$500 North End Women’s Resource Centre — contact Patricia Anderson or Chriss Tetlock
394 Selkirk Ave. Winnipeg, R2W 2M2

Support services severely limited by poverty. Grant to allow women access to resource centre for counselling and services, especially group programming. Costs: transport l2 participants @ $3 weekly for 12 weeks = $432. Celebration party $68. COMPLETED July l998.

$500 Anishinabe Equaywok: Rolling River First Nation — contact Helen Gaywish,
Box l45 Erickson, R0J 0P0 (204) 636-2989

A program to provide an opportunity for the female population to come together in a non-threatening environment. To develop skills in arts/crafts, cooking while addressing issues of poverty, housing, violence and social assistance.. Costs to cover equipment and baking supplies.Begun Nov. 7/97. COMPLETED Dec. 21/98

$500 Valley River Sparks and Brownies Girl Guides of Canada — contact: Gayle Elder
General Delivery, Shortdale, R0l 1W0 (204)546-3267

3 day outdoor camp to be held on Reserve (July ’98). Program to increase self esteem for girls by providing skills and training in areas of l)survival 2)simple carpentry 3) safety, both personal and street safe) 4) female role models. Grant to help with costs of food, speakers, and supplies. COMPLETED Sept. 11, 1998

$500 Family Resource Centre of Snow Lake — contact Nancy Braun
Box 838 Snow Lake, R0B 1M0 (204) 358-7141

Speaker invited to address Women and Health for Sept. 1998. Speaker from Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre to come and facilitate a day of sessions that would help women focus on their emotional and mental well-being, how they are linked to physical illness and what we can do to improve our self image. Through the education of the socialization, roles and status of women.

COMPLETED 26 October 1998

$500 Women for Equality — contact Elly Cristall and Lydia Comty
l44 McDiarmid Drive, Brandon, R7B 2G9 (204) 727-4008

To hold a workshop on ’Unpaid Labour’. The grant would be used to cover transportation of guest speaker Evelyn Drescher.

The Platform proposal encourages groups to lobby governments to include unpaid labour in national statistics. Women’s contributions to development and national economics are seriously underestimated and thus its social recognition is limited. This workshop seeks to create links. COMPLETED 18 October 1998

$500 Waterhen First Nation Health Centre — contact Judy Henuset and Marie Nepinak
Box l05 Skownan, R0L lY0 (204) 628-3333

Funding to start a project to inform and teach young mothers and prospective mothers about healthy nutrition. Dietitian, Patti Eilers will teach. Grant to cover basis cooking needs for centre.

NOT YET COMPLETED.

$300 Immigrant Women’s Association of Manitoba — contact Lidia Fernandes and Beatrice Watson,
204-290 Vaughan, Winnipeg R3B 2L9 (204) 989-5800

Information sessions and round table discussions on the 12 critical areas of concern of UNPAC and how these can be related to the issues facing immigrant women in MB. Grant to cover space rentals food and childcare. NOT YET COMPLETED

$500 Parkland Crisis Centre: Family Resource Centre — Contact Ellen Wood
Box 651, Dauphin R7N 3B3 (204) 638-8707

Collective Cooking program to provide single women and their children opportunity to gain skills in nutritional planning and budgeting through local dietician. Development of community garden. 12 women meet regularly with dietitian for 8 weeks. Second 8 weeks involves l2 new people with their children. Grant to help purchase freezer; food supplies and honorarium. NOT YET COMPLETED

$500 Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School: World Issues / Native Studies — contact: Cindy Hanson
1930 1st. Street, Brandon R7A 6Y6 (204) 727-6540

To increase understanding of global/anti-racist issues among secondary school students in order to enhance a climate of multiculturalism and diversity within the school.This effort to include 3 initiatives which all involve interaction between students who represent the dominant sectors of the population and those which are marginalized by racial cultural origin and economics. Grant to cover honorariums; registrations. NOT YET COMPLETED. This project received $250 which went toward the completion of the first part of the project. The remainder of the grant objectives were not possible, so the final cheque for $250 was withheld.

February 1999: Three projects remain outstanding. All other projects were completed as intended, with one exception. The final phase of one project could not be completed, and therefore the remaining balance was not forwarded (see Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School project).

Projects Grant Totals: $7103.11
Projects completed: 6203.11
Project Balance: 900.00

Respectfully submitted: Donna Everitt and Mary Annis
l February 1999

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ROOM FOR ALL

Workshops have been developed on:

“The Girl Child and Human Rights Are Women’s Rights”

Presentations have been made to:
  1. August 23, 1998: Equality in Education Team Members for Manitoba at Manitoba Teachers’ Society Conference
  2. October 21, 1998: students in Early Childhood Education course at ACC on the Girl Child
  3. October 23, 1998: two workshops to teachers at Social Science Teachers’ Ass. Provincial in-service (SAG) in Winnipeg
  4. December 8, 1998: mini-presentation to CFUW
  5. December 17, 1998: Training of presenters for Room For All
  6. January 6, 1999: two workshops at Garden Valley Teachers Ass. in-service (Morden).
  7. February 11-14, 1999: Display of Room For All and More Than Just a Dozen resources at Beijing Plus 5 national consultations in Ottawa
Requests Outstanding:
  1. Tiger Hills School Division: March 19, 1999
  2. Brandon School Division, EIE Team: April 8, 1999
  3. Northern Tour: Location and date in process of being decided

Publicity has included letters to presidents of social science departments across the province, an article in Manitoba Teacher, letters to presidents of all local teacher associations in the province, ad hoc distribution of pamphlets, and display at Beijing Plus 5. We may also have the opportunity of including some information in Save the Children Canada package going out soon.

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Hanson and Mary Annis, Room For All

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Coordinating Group Members, 1998 - 1999


Coordinating Group Members
Chair: Esme Stewart
Secretary: Robby Simpson
Treasurer Lydia Giles
Events Committee: Justine Kiwanuka
Manitoba Outreach Mary Annis and Liz Sarin
Global Outreach Gisèle Saurette-Roch and Monica Singh
Membership Audrey McClelland
Communications Audrey Myers
Members-at-Large: Nancy Buchanan
Marge Pawliw
Deborah Stienstra
Rosemary Friesen
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