DWS stands in solidarity with folks fighting racism across Turtle Island (North America). Working to end racism is part of DWS’ work because of the high rates of gendered violence Black people experience.

From the ‘Black Women in Canada’ on the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ ‘Behind the Numbers’ blog:

• Black women in Canada earn 59 cents on average for every dollar that non-racialized men earn.

• Studies show that Black women are subject to discrimination on the part of employers who screen out job applicants with African, Asian or Muslim “sounding” names, or those who live in certain neighbourhoods, even when applicants have equivalent education and experience.

• According to the 2016 Canadian Census, one-quarter of Black women live below the poverty line in Canada, approximately twice the proportion of non-racialized women.

• Black girls experience, and must contend, with the “sexual stereotypes and perceptions of low educational aspirations and achievements”.

• Research shows that the cumulative impact of racism, discrimination, poverty and other structural and systemic inequalities profoundly impact the physical, emotional and mental health of all Black women in Canada.

• Anti-Black racism has been identified as a key factor in the disproportionate experience of chronic illness such as depression which further undermines Black women’s ability to thrive. It is also a significant barrier to Black women and girls accessing needed service and supports.

• Racialized women (including Black women) are the most under-represented among full-time, full-year (FTFY) professors and instructors, with 44.9% working on an FTFY basis in universities and only 31.5% in colleges.

We know that black bodies are scrutinized differently than white bodies.

Andrea, Erin, and Kerin created Project Slut and #EndTheDressCode to point out the racism and sexism black students experience. They were successful in getting the Toronto District School Board’s dress code changed to be gender neutral and to include an understanding of racism.

June is Indigenous History and Pride Month

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