BOWMANVILLE, Ontario - On behalf of the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), the Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and Member of Parliament for Durham, announced today the federal government's support for the Women's Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre of Durham's Women's Economic Advancement and Leadership Skills Project (Project WEALS). This initiative aims to empower immigrant women who are victims of family violence to rebuild their economic security.

"Our Government is responding to the needs of women on a wide range of issues by developing supportive policies and measures to address critical challenges, and by providing the resources to help deal with them," said Minister Guergis. "We will continue to create the conditions for women's success, and our support for Project WEALS, with its goal of empowering immigrant women who have experienced violence, is an effective way of doing so."

"The unfortunate reality is that whether through socio-cultural isolation, language barriers or other reasons, immigrant women can be particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and economic insecurity," said Minister Oda. "With greater skills in financial management and leadership, these women will move towards economic self-sufficiency. Project WEALS will empower them to break free of the cycle of violence and rebuild their lives and those of their families."

The Government is providing the Women's Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre of Durham with $178,000 over 24 months for this project. It is aimed at breaking down systemic barriers faced by women who are victims of family violence or other forms of abuse. Through a series of workshops involving 200 participants, four main themes will be covered:

• understanding economics and finance;
• personal growth;
• leadership; and
• one-on-one mentorship.

"By supporting this initiative, Women's Economic Advancement and Leadership Skills Project, the Government of Canada is enabling us to address critical issues for immigrant and marginalized women in Durham Region by providing culturally sensitive, supportive programs and services geared toward women's economic advancement," said Ms. Esther Enyolu, Executive Director of the Women's Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre of Durham. "Through this specialized outreach, we are helping this vulnerable group of women escape the scourge of family violence, and gain the skills and confidence they need to lead fulfilling lives free from violence and abuse."

Funding for Project WEALS comes from the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada.

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.