Ontario Invests $100 Million in New Projects to Combat Gender-Based Violence
TORONTO – The Ontario government is launching a significant new initiative aimed at tackling gender-based violence through community-driven projects. With a substantial $100 million investment over the next three years, this initiative is part of a comprehensive four-year, cross-government action plan designed to prevent violence and support survivors.
The call for proposals, open until October 11, 2024, invites organizations with innovative approaches to apply for funding. The investment builds on Ontario’s previous commitment of $1.4 billion over four years to address and end gender-based violence.
Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, highlighted the importance of prevention in the fight against gender-based violence. “Our government is continuing to take action to end violence against women and girls in all its forms,” said Parsa. “Preventing gender-based violence before it happens is crucial to breaking the cycle of abuse. This call for proposals aims to fund projects that address violence and its root causes. By focusing on prevention, we are working towards safer and healthier communities for future generations.”
Our government is launching a community call for proposals to help empower survivors of gender-based violence and rebuild lives.
Learn more about the call for proposals and Ontario’s $100M investment to prevent and address gender-based violence: https://t.co/6PrrneBbc3 pic.twitter.com/bGKy0oa7j8
— Sylvia Jones (@SylviaJonesMPP) August 17, 2024
Organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that focus on one or more of the following key areas:
- Education and awareness
- Early intervention and prevention
- Community planning and service integration
- Economic security and financial independence
Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, emphasized the role of economic security in reducing vulnerability to violence. “Strengthening people’s economic security is essential for reducing susceptibility to gender-based violence and empowering survivors,” Williams said. “This investment will help individuals gain financial independence and support survivors in rebuilding their lives, enabling them to live safely and securely.”
Federal support for the initiative is also notable. Minister Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth of Canada, praised the focus on prevention and community building. “Governments cannot wait for violence to occur to start thinking about how to prevent it,” Ien stated. “In addition to supporting victims and their families, we must create systems and communities that prevent violence and foster a thriving environment for everyone. I am pleased to see this Call for Proposals, funded by Ontario’s $162 million agreement with the federal government through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, is dedicated to prevention, education, community building, and economic security.”
Organizations interested in applying for the funding can find more information and application guidelines on the Ontario government’s website.
For further details, visit Ontario Government’s Call for Proposals page.
GTA Today will continue to monitor developments related to this initiative and provide updates as they become available.
