On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, WomenatthecentrE held a gathering to honour the 14 women who were murdered 20 years ago. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Each Life Has Value’, in recognition of all women who lose their lives in gendered violence. Click here to view the thank you note.

In October 2008, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care appointed an Advisory Group made up of people with lived experience of mental illness and addictions, family members, service providers and researchers to help develop a new 10 year strategy that could transform mental health and addiction services in Ontario.  In July 2009, following extensive research and discussions with people from across the province, the Advisory Group released Every Door is the Right Door, to provide a starting point for discussions on the province’s mental health and addictions strategy.

WomenatthecentrE was invited to participate in a roundtable consultation, facilitated by the Ontario Women’s Directorate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, on the governments’ proposed 10-year Mental Health and Addictions Strategy. This roundtable focused on violence against women (VAW) and the connections between trauma associated with violence and mental illness and addiction.

In attendance were Nneka MacGregor (our Executive Director), Dawnmarie Harriott and Tania Perlin (2 of our members).

Stay tuned for more updates.

CNN honoured WomenatthecentrE Board Director Betty Makoni as one of their 2009 Heroes, at the ‘All-Star Tribute’ in Hollywood. Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman presented Betty with her award. Click here to view more information on Betty and her award.