Issue 20 • March & April 2013 • Published by the Immigrant Women’s Centre

The Women’s Press

IN THIS

ISSUE:

Stop the Violence Death of rape victim

sparks movement for change

P3Hamilton’s EmploymentWhat jobs will be available in the next five years? This

infographic shares the answer.

P5

Seeking SanctuaryFailed refugee claimants find

last hope for asylum in church buildings.

Idea to Action What do crêpês and fashion

have in common? These creative women are living their ideas.

P6

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

(un)SAFE?Janosne’s Story

A native of Hungary, Janosné Tiborne Sas came to Hamilton in 2012 after continued violence against the Roma minority in her hometown outside of Budapest. Although Sas says she has experienced segregation since the day she was born, the racism has gotten worse over the last few years, which led her to flee to Canada as a refugee claimant.

“Police in Hungary act as terminators against the Roma,” she explained, describing a scenario in which police aggressively intimidated her and pulled her out of her car by her neck. “This is not one case, this is so many times.”

While Hungary has been one of 35 countries added to the ‘Safe Country List’ or Designated Countries of Origin by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, he agreed that racism and discrimination does exist there. He said, “We continue to say that Hungary and the central European countries must do much more to integrate and protect the Roma and other vulnerable minority communities. That doesn’t change.”

Gina Csanyi-Robah, Executive Director at the Roma Community Centre, believes countries such as Hungary do not belong on such a list while discrimination is rampant. Since there are refugee claimants from Hungary still being accepted as refugees, she believes these changes are not based on reality. She wrote, “Approximately 400 families have been accepted from Hungary since 2009. Is the Immigration and Refugee Board

making bogus decisions? The truth is that if the IRB wasn’t… influenced by false accusations and stereotypes of Gypsies, then perhaps twice as many Roma refugee claims may have been accepted by now.”

Tiered healthcareSince the Designated Country of

Origin list was released in December, Sas has been cut off from healthcare coverage and is now one of many who can no longer afford refills to her prescribed medications, or a visit to the doctor. But she believes her claim is justified, and awaits her court date with the Immigration & Refugee Board before her fate is determined.

- Continued on page 8 -

“...racism has gotten worse over the last few years...”

“It is clear that a country cannot be deemed unanimously safe when there is a real and disproportionate risk to women, individuals from LGBTQ communities, and ethnic minorities fleeing persecution.” - Hamiltonians for Migrant & Refugee Health

Since the release of the ‘Safe Country’ list, refugee claimants like Janosné Tiborne Sas are no longer entitled to healthcare benefits as they await the outcomes of their refugee hearings. What impact will this policy have on our community?

P9

Our age is just

a number. Our

skin colour is

just a colour.

Our genders

should not

dictate which

jobs we can or

cannot have.

- here we are, page 7

If you haven’t already heard the buzz in various newspapers, websites, and social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook, Hamilton is in the midst of a very heated civic debate on whether or not to build a downtown casino. The discussion in Hamilton began when the Ontario Lotto & Gaming Corporation (OLG) targeted the city as a location for one of its major pushes to “modernize” commercial and charitable gaming in the province. Some believe that the casino could bring new economic opportunities and employment to the city. Other community members

are concerned about the extreme social costs of gambling such as addiction, crime, and the risks associated with overhauling the strong and vibrant entrepreneurial and social community already growing in the downtown core.

While there has been strong civic engagement surrounding the “casino talks” and extensive research about the socio-economic impacts of a downtown casino from various Hamilton publications, little has been raised about what the impacts of a casino would be on Hamilton women specifically.

Gambling is often thought of as a predominantly male domain and activity. However, researchers also recognize an increase in female participation. Consequently, there has been a rise in numbers of women developing problems with gambling. Women are also victim to issues often related with gambling and casinos: dealing with spousal gaming addictions, violence, and misogyny. Not only should we be asking how women gamblers will be affected, but also women workers and family leaders.

-Continued on page 11 -

Casino!WHY GENDER MATTERS IN THE DOWNTOWN CASINO DEBATEBy Nicole Rallis

JEAN SCHEIJEN

The Women’s PressWomen in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.2

Leading & L E A R N I N G

A Community Capacity-Building Workshop for Newcomer Women

Do you want to LEARN about education, employment, healthcare, housing and more? Do you want to learn how to use your SETTLEMENT experience to become a leader in your COMMUNITY? Sign up for Leading & Learning today!

NEXT CLASS!April 2 - May 9 9:30am - 12:00pmTuesdays & Thursdays

Call Cassandra at 905-529-5209 x 223 for more information.

The Women’s Press Women in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.3

Oppression against women takes many forms in our society from physical abuse to objectification in the media and oppressive systems and policies. So what do we do about it? I believe the women of Hamilton have the answer.

As McMaster’s Dr. Rama Singh said, there is still much that needs to be done. We must work for women’s rights, fight against rape myths and increase education for both men and women.

Women in Hamilton have been joining together to raise their voice, fight back, and the dispel myths that continue this oppression. We have highlighted some local action in this issue of the Women’s Press.

Campaigns such as One Billion Rising, Idle No More, CasiNO and the vigil to end violence against women all have made a strong statement in our community and brought important issues to the forefront of the media and public discussion.

What we must also remember and celebrate is the strong women that live each day preservering through challenges and overcoming barriers to equality.

As the women from our Leading and Learning program write in their letter to Canadians, “We have hope.” Despite the obstacles that come our way, we must know that we can make a difference and make a change.

In this issue of the Women’s Press you will read stories of women working to overcome these oppressions present in our society.

You will also read stories of those who have made a step toward equality in other ways - by starting their own businesses, voicing their experiences, and stepping out of societal assumptions and stereotypes to make a stand.

Join us on this journey - as we all come together to work for change.

Cheers to Hamilton,

Ines Rios, Executive Director Immigrant Women’s Centre 8 Main Street East, Suite 101 Hamilton, ON (905) 529-5209

Please send feedback, press releases and submissions to:

Michelle Drew at mdrew@IWCHamilton.on.ca.

Visit our website:WomensPressIWC.ca

Founded in 1988, the Immigrant Women’s Centre is an equality seeking, anti-racist, charitable organization dedicated to the social, political and economic inclusion of refugees and immigrants.

Letter from the

Editor

WomensPressIWC.ca

READ STORIES. SHARE KNOWLEDGE. TRANSFORM OUR COMMUNITY.

Visit our website today!STORIES, WEB EXCLUSIVES, PHOTO GALLERIES, RESOURCES DOWNLOADS, ISSUE ARCHIVES & MORE.

NEW

Hamiltonians echoed the call for a cultural shift following the gang rape, beating and death of a 23-year-old woman in New Delhi.

Since the December attack in 2012, thousands across India have channeled their outrage into a movement – one that is striving to change damaging attitudes about gender violence.

“The mindset of gender inequality has to change,” said Virbala Kumar, speaking on behalf of the Hindu Samaj Women’s Outreach Group at January’s vigil to end violence against women. The event took place at Hamilton’s City Hall and brought together local peace and human rights groups in a rally for social change.

Attendees stood in solidarity with Indian women who have seen the number of reported rapes in their country rise from 2,500 in 1971 to 24,000 in 2011.

A more startling fact is that only one per cent of rapes are reported to police.

Hamilton’s YWCA highlighted the need for “investments into women’s independence” – referring to childcare, safety, housing and pay equity as concerns in its speech to event attendees.

“Peace isn’t just shouting slogans and activism,” said Dr. Rama Singh, who organized the event alongside Dr. Maroussia Ahmed. “It’s what you do in between protests that really matters.”

The work needed refers primarily to the strengthening of women’s rights, the end of rape myths and proper education for both men and women.

New Delhi, where Jyoti Singh Pandey was attacked on a bus, is referred to as the “rape capital of India”, where “eve-teasing” (a watered-down term for sexual assault) is a socially accepted practice. Men’s behaviour is encouraged while society shames the female victims.

In his defense of Jyoti’s attackers, Indian lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma told the press, “Until today, I have not seen a single incident or example of rape with a respected lady.”

With his words, Sharma demonstrated the prevailing attitudes toward violence against women in India. Attacks are often blamed on a victim’s clothing style or her presence in the wrong place at the wrong time. A victim is given even less credibility if she is married to her attacker.

“A politician from Haryana

suggested early marriage for girls to prevent rapes,” said Kumar. “Are married women not being raped? How would he explain the rapes of children?”

Dr. Anne Pearson, a McMaster professor and speaker at the vigil, noted that violence against women suggests how deeply a society is governed by dominance and aggression. She said men have to learn to view women as equal partners before violence can be curbed.

Currently, Indian women face a police system that is slow to follow up on reported rapes and quick to question the victim’s integrity. Though Jyoti’s case has been placed on the judgment fast-track, the majority of rape cases face a long wait before they are heard in a courtroom.

The outcry has forced societies beyond India’s borders to examine their own attitudes toward violence against women. As communities like Hamilton gather to plan for change, the movement sparked by Jyoti’s experience is poised to become a global one.

Death of rape victim sparks movement for change

By Nairi Apkarian

“The mindset of gender inequality has to change.”

WOMEN’S PRESS[Above, Left] Supporters of the vigil to end violence against women gathered at Hamilton’s City Hall on January 5.

What are common attitudes toward violence against women in India? In Canada?

What needs to change?

?FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

Women’s Press Issue 20 March/April 2013

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Afaneen Al Janabi, Alyssa Lai, Bintelmona Mohamed, Cindy Moser, Dorothy Mutendi, Devon Ridge, Einas Al-Juboori, K’Paw Paw, Maria Antelo, Michelle Drew, Nairi Apkarian, Nicole Rallis, Reem Sinno, Rosemary Aswani CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:Alyssa Lai, Fatuma, Jean Scheijen, Meagan Tutti-Peters, Michelle Drew EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ines Rios

MANAGING EDITOR: Michelle Drew COPY EDITORS: Alyssa Lai, Erica Greaves, Jemma Wolfe , Elizabeth Webb

Age-old advice about having the right credentials and degrees to get a job no longer seem to apply. This is true especially for newcomers, who have difficulty in transferring credentials and work experience from abroad.

Trained as a mechanical engineer, Sanjay Kumarshaw is aware of the challenges facing immigrants on the path to employment. With more than twenty years of work experience in the automotive industry, he came to Canada from India in August 2011 as a skilled immigrant.

As a recent immigrant, Kumarshaw had his own share of hardships, as he tried to manage his family’s living expenses. At the same time, he actively searched and applied for jobs, contacting employment programs at local agencies for advice on job searching. Much to his surprise, he received mixed advice on résumé formats.

Realizing that he needed to “fine-tune” his job search process, Kumarshaw enrolled in IWC’s Job Search Workshop (JSW) program. Targeted towards newcomers, JSW

provides pre-employment training to increase employment prospects. Aside from preparation for action plans, résumés, and interviews, JSW also offers referral services, allowing participants to connect with relevant contacts in the broader community.

Kumarshaw was only part of the program for a few days before he was contacted for an interview. But he quickly learned the value of networking.

“I was able to confidently get in touch with people and expand my range of contacts who I knew,” he

explained.For Kumarshaw, getting the job

was a multi-step process. He began by honing his résumé writing skills, tailoring to the company he was applying for, building connections with people in his field through informational interviews.

“I used the networking techniques, which built up cumulatively to finally fetch me a job interview, in which I was selected,” he said. He now works as an Inventory Control Supervisor at an automotive parts company.

Relationships matter for newcomers hoping to establish themselves professionally in new working environments. Kumarshaw couldn’t agree more.

“It’s important that the newcomers develop their contacts in the industry of their choice and make people aware of their abilities.” For more information on JSW see page 5.

Women in Hamilton,

Issue 16 • May & June 2012 • p.4 The Women’s PressWomen in Hamilton,

Raising our Voices. Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.4

WORKPLACE RIGHTS FOR NEWCOMERS

“Research indicates that Ontario’s newcomers are more likely than Canadian-born workers to be employed in jobs with a higher risk of work injuries,” said Dr. Agnieszka Kosny, a lead researcher with Toronto’s Institute for Work & Health.

“Yet, they receive little information in language-training classes or job-search workshops about their job health and safety rights and responsibilities, or what to do if they get hurt on the job,” she continued.

Kosny and a group of researchers at the Institute for Work & Health decided to develop a toolkit to help settlement agencies, teachers of English as a second language, workplaces and others to teach newcomers to Ontario about their health, safety, and workers’ compensation rights and responsibilities.

Called Prevention is the Best Medicine, the eleven-item toolkit contains everything needed to deliver instructional sessions on two separate, but related, topics within an Ontario context: occupational health and safety, and workers’ compensation. It is designed to be delivered to recent immigrants who are preparing to enter, or have recently entered, the labour force.

“Prevention is the Best Medicine fills an important void,” said Kosny.

“This is a great tool,” agreed Roland Rhooms, director of Programs and Services at Skills for Change, a settlement and employment agency in Toronto.

“This is the beginning of information dissemination in this area, because the research tells us that there is a gap, that these newcomers are not getting this type of information in a timely manner. So it’s a benefit to the clients because they have something simple, easy to understand.”

The toolkit includes sample lesson plans, slide show presentations and more. A full list of IWH research on newcomer health and safety is available at: www.iwh.on.ca/immigrant-workers-experiences. Cindy Moser can be reached at cmoser@iwh.on.ca.

By Cindy Moser, Institute for Work & Health

“...Newcomers are more likely than

Canadian-born workers to be employed in jobs

with a higher risk of work injuries.”

‘Prevention is the Best Medicine’

prevention is the best medicine

a toolkit for newcomers to Ontario

www.iwh.on.ca/pbm

“It’s important that the newcomers develop

their contacts in the industry of their

choice and make people aware of their

abilities.”

NETWORKING IS KEY TO JOB SUCCESSBy Alyssa Lai

Maria E. Peña-Zaldivar is no stranger to dirt, dust and mould in houses; it is her job to remove them. Working for Tri-Star Disaster Recovery, Zaldivar does mould-cleaning for houses of all sizes. While she has done regular cleaning before, mould cleaning is more complicated, she said.

The 27 year old was born and raised in Cuba and lived in Spain for 6 years. She graduated from business administration, but left her job on the desk to enroll in the army in Spain. Coming to Canada in 2010, she immediately took on the role as a regular cleaner for Tri-Star, before moving on to do mould-cleaning in 2011.

Usually working 44 hours per week, Zaldivar is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For mould-cleaning, she needs to first measure the air quality followed by disinfecting the house. From there, she brings in air scrubbers, a machine to clear the air. All this must be completed before Zaldivar can go inside and begin vacuuming. If needed, she demolishes walls and repaints them.

“At the end of everything, we do an air quality test to see if it passes the test. If not, we have to clean again,” she

laughed. Her job goes beyond Hamilton,

taking her to Toronto and Brantford as well. It is not uncommon for her to arrive home every day covered in tar or paint, as she also demolishes and repaints walls, and does waterproofing using tar in flooded basements. The hours are long and unpredictable. When there is an emergency, Zaldivar works up to 70 hours per week, sleeping as little as four hours a day.

Her job takes her into trying situations. She has been up inside attics to insulate pipes, and crouched on floors to scrub tiles covered with cockroaches. But Zaldivar sees her job as an important one, in keeping people healthy within their homes. High levels of mould could result in death, she said. Zaldivar cites one incident

where a dog died because of toxic particles in its lungs due to mould in a house that was untreated.

Despite the labour and risk, Zaldivar thinks that women are more than capable in this role.

“They can’t understand that women can do more stuff,” said Zaldivar, referring to moments when outsiders refer them as just cleaners.

“We’re more strong and we do more than males. We don’t say no to anything,” she stressed.

Zaldivar credits the supportive working environment at Tri-Star that motivates her to remain loyal to the company. Even the company’s sales representative in his fifties gets down and dirty in his business coat to assist the cleaning team wherever possible and helps them take out the garbage.

“That’s how you build motivation. You are working with them. You get them motivated to work,” she emphasized.

Indeed, the best part about her job is the people she works with.

“They are like family to me. It doesn’t matter what we are doing. Working with the right people, we can do our job,” she exclaimed.

“Despite the labour and risk, Zaldivar

thinks that women are more than capable in

this role.”

What skills did Sanjay learn in JSW? ?

Disaster relief on the job

LABOUR FOR A LIVING

By Alyssa Lai

FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

Removing mould and restoring damaged houses has become Maria E. Peña-Zaldivar’s specialty. WOMEN’S PRESS

53%

TOTAL POPULATION GROWTH

SINCE 1976

THE IMMIGRANT WOMEN'S CENTRE OFFERS PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING TO NEWCOMERS. THIS WORKSHOP SERIES PROVIDES ASSISTANCE IN GAINING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO BETTER

UNDERSTAND STRATEGIES, BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES AND NEXT STEPS IN THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

- TIPS AND GUIDANCE ON BUILDING SELF CONFIDENCE - INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER YOUR FIELD - INTERVIEW TIPS AND TECHNIQUES- CUSTOMIZED ACTION PLANS, AND RESUMES

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 905-529-5209 OR VISIT IWCHAMILTON.CA

The Women’s Press Women in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.5

FUTURE OF EMPLOYMENT (FROM NOW TILL 2016)

Hamilton Ontario’s

TOP 10 NEW JOBS CREATED

5,3005,700 5,200

4,800 4,700 4,100 4,000 3,000 2,200 2,000

ENTRY LEVEL SALES & SERVICE CLERICAL

INTERMEDIATE SALES & SERVICE

SKILLED SALES & SERVICE

PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT

ADMINISTRATION & BUSINESS

TRANSPORTATION, & EQUIPMENT

SOCIAL SCIENCE, GOV’T, RELIGION& EDUCATION

ASSISTANTS IN HEALTHCARE

(FROM 2001 TO 2011)SECTORS THAT GREW OVER 30%

GROWTH OF EMPLOYMENTHEALTHCARE &

SOCIAL ASSISTANCECONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL,

SCIENTIFIC &TECHNICAL

BUSINESS, BUILDING &

OTHER

STATE OF EMPLOYMENT (in 2011)TOP 10 SECTORS OF EMPLOYMENT13.3%

17.3%

12.7%

6.8%

RETAIL & WHOLESALE TRADE MANUFACTURING

HEALTHCARE &SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

EDUCATIONALSERVICES

6.8%

FINANCE, INSURANCE, LEASING &REAL ESTATE

6.7%

CONSTRUCTION

6.3%

PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC &TECHNICAL

6.1%

ACCOMODATION &FOOD SERVICES

5.3%

TRANSPORTATION & WAREHOUSING

4.4%

BUSINESS, BUILDING &

OTHER

FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT (SINCE 1976)NUMBER OF RESIDENTS WORKING

MALE46%77% {

FEMALE

41%50% {FULL-TIME, FULL-YEAR EMPLOYMENT

1976 2010

68,000PART-TIME, PART-

YEAR OR SEASONAL WORKERS IN

HAMILTON WHO WOULD PREFER TO WORK MORE HOURS

OR WEEKS.

JOB SEARCH WORKSHOPS

STATISTICS PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL PLANNING AND RESEARCH COUNCIL OF HAMILTON.- WWW.SPRC.HAMILTON.ON.CA

38%PART-TIME &

SEASONAL WORKGROWTH

SINCE 1976

16%FULL-TIME &

FULL-YEAR WORKGROWTH SINCE 1976

In Hamilton

IMMIGRANT EMPLOYMENT (IN 2006)SECTOR DEMOGRAPHICS26%

IMMIGRANTS

30%

Hamilton

Ontario24.8% OF

IMMIGRANTS AND 5.5% OF

NEWCOMERS*ARE AMONG EMPLOYED

WORKERS IN ONTARIO.

(*FIVE YEARS OR LESS)

21.9% OF IMMIGRANTS AND 3.6% OF NEWCOMERS*ARE AMONG EMPLOYED WORKERS IN HAMILTON.

(*FIVE YEARS OR LESS)

' IMMIGRANTS

NEWCOMERS WITH FOREIGN CREDENTIALS HAVE RECEIVED RECOGNITION WITHIN

FOUR YEARS OF LANDING.

28%{COMPARED TO CANADIANS, NEWCOMERS FACE: - HIGHER LEVELS OF UNEMPLOYMENT - HIGH LEVELS OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT - POORER OUTCOMES FOR WOMEN- OUTCOMES THAT VARY BY COUNTRY OF BIRTH - LOWER EMPLOYMENT INCOMES

NEWCOMER OBSTACLES

CANADIANS

CANADIANS

24%

EDUCATION &EMPLOYMENT

12%

LAW

56%MEDICINE

84%

CHIROPRACTICS

45%

PHARMACY

19%

ENGINEERING

HOW MANY FOREIGN-TRAINED PROFESSIONALS FIND EMPLOYMENT

IN THEIR FIELD IN CANADA? 20%

ACCOUNTING

STATISTICS PROVIDED BY WORKFORCE PLANNING HAMILTON - WWW.WORKFORCEPLANNINGHAMILTON.CA

AVERAGE % FOREIGN-EDUCATED IMMIGRANTS WORKING IN THEIR FIELD

NEWCOMERS

NEWCOMERS

Many think of thin, light crêpes as a French delicacy, available only in luxurious Parisian restaurants. But for Maria Branigan, it is a snack close to home. Born in Budapest, Hungary, crêpe was a staple food in her household – she even ate them for lunch or dinner.

As the owner of Hamilton’s newest crêperie, Hargitai’s, Branigan brings

recipes from her kitchen home to the dining table of her vibrant restaurant. Hargitai’s, named after her maiden name, launched in April 2012.

The inspiration to start a crêperie came to her after seeing how popular it was in Toronto - customers lining up

for crêpes even after 11 at night. “I thought to myself…my look how

popular crêpes are!” wrote Branigan, who came to Canada when she was 15 years old. She started making crepes when she was 16.

As a mother with two toddlers, Branigan would be the first to admit that starting a business is no easy feat.

One challenge she noted, is maintaining that balance between her business and family responsibilities.

“It breaks my heart to hear my five-year-old telling me that he wants to be with me

all the time and that he wished I didn’t have to go to work,” she admitted.

“We all know a woman’s job does not stop at 5pm when they punch out,” continued Branigan, referring to child care and house-keeping responsibilities.

Despite that, Branigan thinks that

women entrepreneurs should be proud of themselves for establishing and running their own businesses. In her view, they make up a small percentage of the population of entrepreneurs, citing a culture that is less supportive of women who chose to work for themselves, rather than for others.

“You really need to prepare to sacrifice. You can’t understand the concept [of starting a business] until you truly feel it,” she emphasized.

As a former marketing professional who quit her job to start her own business, she credited her husband for his ongoing support and encouragement.

“If not, it would have been another idea that flew away.”

Her marketing background has

helped her manage the operations of her business. Additionally, she finds social media to be useful in getting the word around about her business.

An active user on the micro-blogging site Twitter, Branigan uses it to not just to spread the word about Hargitai’s but also to engage with the online community.

In the future, Branigan hopes to expand by opening at other locations in Hamilton.

For more information visit www.hargitais.ca or visit 304 Barton Street East.

“...Women entrepreneurs should be proud of themselves for establishing and running their own businesses.”

The Women’s PressWomen in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.6

It was the taste for fashion and the love for journalism that led two local high school youths to start an online magazine. The brainchild of Westdale Secondary School’s grade 11 students, Ava Campbell and Maya Amoah, Iila Magazine (pronounced “eye-la”) is an eclectic blend of local fashion, music, and art.

The title of the magazine itself reflects the creative vision of the two friends.

“It doesn’t mean anything, but it can mean anything,” emphasized Amoah.

“Our magazine is all about creativity, creating new stuff,” she added.

Campbell and Amoah started brainstorming for content in May 2012. Their first issue, released in August 2012, featured local craft shop, Needlework and independent clothing store, Bodega. In addition, the magazine also spotlights local bloggers, most recently I Heart Hamilton, a blog focusing on uncovering and highlighting Hamilton’s art, music, and food scene.

Art and fashion are the primary focus of the magazine. Campbell brings her experience as a writer for kNeon magazine, an art/fashion publication based on Austria. At 13, Campbell profiled Toronto on behalf of kNeon, highlighting places to eat and spring fashion trends in the city.

Iila has become a creative outlet for the two friends to learn journalism and graphic

design while exploring Hamilton’s creative community. Amoah spends most of her time scouting for local artists to profile. Their most recent interview with local filmmaker Scott Foley was paired alongside with photographer Richard Ramirez Jr. and artist Quinton Teodori.

Despite their different focuses, in the end, art is still art, she said. “There’s so many branches in it. There’s always a way to combine different aspects of it,” continued Amoah, who also owns her own clothing line called Nebula, selling bleached sweater and tank tops. Campbell, who herself learns graphic design through practice, nodded in agreement.

While Amoah does most of the writing and Campbell the photography and layout, the process of publishing the

magazine online is largely collaborative one. They enjoy connecting with Hamilton’s artists and musicians. The reception of the magazine has been positive, with over 5,000 views within the first two weeks of publication. In the long run, they hope to have the magazine printed and bonded for sale.

Sure, there’s the occasional writer’s block, confessed Amoah. However she is confident that creativity and new story ideas will always make way.

“When they do come, they come at full drive,” she smiled. Visit Iila online at: www.iila.blogspot.ca.

“Iila has become a creative outlet

for the two friends to learn journalism and graphic design while exploring

Hamilton’s creative community.”

By Alyssa Lai

New online magazine highlights local arts

Westdale High School students Ava Campbell and Maya Amoah started Iila Magazine, an online publication featuring local fashion, music and art.

By Alyssa Lai

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Hargitai’s owner Maria Branigan prepares a crepe at her 304 Barton Street East location. ALYSSA LAI

HARGITAI’SHome to tasty

crêpes in Hamilton

“Branigan brings recipes from her kitchen home to the dining table of her vibrant restaurant.”

“With everyone’s experiences we come together to build a stronger Canada. We are all puzzle pieces that make the great image of Canada.”

reem sinno

The Women’s Press Women in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.7

HERE WE ARE a letter to Canadians

Here we are. We have earned credentials and gained skills in our home countries. We came to Canada expecting to get jobs based on our qualifications and experiences. We have a lot to give. But we need someone to give us a chance.

There are many obstacles standing in our way. Our “foreign-sounding” names on our résumés do not reflect who we are. The stereotypes that exist about our countries of origin do not reflect our abilities. Our hijabs and other religious and cultural clothing speak to our beliefs, not our skills. When our

words and ideas are spoken with an accent they are no less true, knowledgeable, or valuable. Our experiences from our countries of origin are just as valid as

Canadian experiences and our credentials are just as important.

Our age is just a number. Our skin colour is just a colour.

Our genders should not dictate which jobs we can or cannot have.

But we have hope. We volunteer to gain Canadian experience. We go back to school for more training. We access employment assistance and attend workshops

to improve our résumés and interview skills. We improve our English language skills through LINC programs.

This cannot be a one-way street. We need the Hamilton community to see us as women beyond our names, home countries, clothing, skin colour, gender, and age. We are people who deserve respect. We make our neighbourhoods and workplaces stronger.

“When my family and I came to Canada we had a very difficult time. Now we have more opportunities. We have hope. We are not afraid to voice our opinions.”

By Afaneen Al Janabi, K’Paw Paw, Reem Sinno, Bintelmona Mohamed, Dorothy Mutendi, and Einas Al-Juboori (Leading and Learning, IWC)

IN THE COMMUNITY

[Above, Left] Supporters of the international Idle No More movement participated in various events around Hamilton to bring attention to the policy changes affecting indigenous rights and protection of the environment. Flash mobs, rallies, a march onto highway 403, and a four day tipi fast and prayer at City Hall were among them. WOMEN’S PRESS PHOTOS

“People have to be given a chance to work. We do our best, but nothing comes out of it. The government should try to give us a chance.”

dorothy mutendik paw paw

Do you agree with this article?

If you wrote a letter to Canadians, what would it say? ? FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

“We have a lot to give. But we need someone to give us a chance.”

[Above, Below] English learners and staff gathered at the Immigrant Women’s Centre to participate in One Billion Rising, a global campaign to end violence against women. Participants took a break from daily activities to rise up and dance together in solidarity with women around the world.

Issue 11 • May & June 2011 • p.8 The Women’s PressWomen in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.8

Jobbik & The Hungarian GuardHungary’s Jobbik political party

prides itself on its belief that “Hungary belongs to the Hungarians” at the exclusion of ethnic minorities such as Jewish and Roma, who have lived there for centuries.

Modeling itself after Hitler’s Nazi Party, a paramilitary wing of the party has formed known as the Hungarian Guard. Members hold confrontational rallies in Roma communities, intimidating and threatening residents, claiming to take “gypsy crime” into their own hands. Jobbik is Hungary’s third most-powerful political party, with 47 members of Parliament and four members of European parliament. The Jobbik party prides itself on its neo-Nazi mandate and beliefs, demonizing and dehumanizing Hungary’s Roma population. Miskolc

Hungary’s fourth largest city,

Miskolc, is located in northeastern Hungary. An estimated 40% of refugee claimants to Canada from Hungary came from this city in 2011.

The Canadian government began a communications campaign to warn residents of the immigration changes stating that if they make unjustified claims, they will be deported and sent home in a rapid time frame.

The mayor of Miskolc said he was angry, not because of the tone of the notices, but because Canada is “expecting the city to take back failed refugees” displaying his distaste for the minority community.

Poverty, discrimination and inequity mean that millions of Mexicans face extreme challenges to meet basic human needs with regard to food, water, housing, health and education. Yet those who mobilize in defence of these rights are repaid with threats and deadly attacks, particularly when their activism challenges powerful economic interests. The perpetrators are rarely held accountable, creating a climate of injustice which fuels more abuses.

Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the situation is getting worse and now constitutes nothing less than a security and human rights crisis, which includes:

Thousands of killings and abductions carried out by drug cartels and other criminal gangs, at times acting in collusion with the police or other public officials.

Widespread reports of grave human rights violations, including torture, forced disappearances, extrajudicial executions and excessive use of force by army and navy personnel.

Routine violations of the rights of Indigenous peoples, including the right to free, prior and informed consent regarding resource extraction projects on Indigenous lands.

Ongoing, widespread sexualized violence against women in the notorious Ciudad Juárez and many other parts of Mexico, fuelled by the failure to provide access to justice to victims or their families.

Attacks, intimidation and murders of journalists, creating a climate of fear that prevents truth from being told.

- Are not eligible for basic and emergency health care, other than those that raise public health or safety issues;- Are not eligible for a work permit;- Have 45 days until their hearing if they make a claim at the border or 30 days if they make an inland claim.- Have less time to make an appeal and submit their documentation before a hearing;- Have no opportunity to appeal a negative decision before the new appeal division within the Immigration and Refugee Board; can appeal to the federal court but may be deported before a decision is made.- Like all failed claimants will not be allowed to appeal on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds, or ask for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, until one year after their claim is rejected, by which time they would likely be deported.- Are subject to much faster removal times once a claim is rejected.

Refugee claimants from Designated Countries of Origin:

AustriaAustraliaBelgiumCroatiaCyprus

Czech RepublicDenmark

EstoniaFinlandFrance

GermanyGreece

HungaryIcelandIreland

Israel (Not Gaza & West Bank)

ItalyJapanLatvia

LithuaniaLuxembourg

MaltaMexico

NetherlandsNew Zealand

Norway Poland

PortugalSlovak Republic

SloveniaSpain

SwedenSwitzerland

United KingdomUnited States of

America

DESIGNATED COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN

“Since changes to the Interim Federal Health (IFH)program were announced last year, families are increasingly turned away from hospitals and clinics due to confusion

surrounding the IFH program.”

- Dr. Tim O’Shea, Physician

- Continued from page 1 - “The changes with healthcare have

had a horrible impact,” said Tibor Lukacs, who works at the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre. “I’ve even seen people who had papers from the doctor that say they cannot travel because of a serious illness - and were deported back.”

“As health care providers who believe that health is a human right, we are horrified that individuals in Canada are being denied care on the basis of their ethnicity or country of origin,” said Katie Dorman, a

McMaster Medical Student.Unfortunately, Sas’ experience is

not unique. “Health care providers in Hamilton are seeing an increasing number of refugee claimants who cannot afford their medications or who are being denied health care services altogether,” Dorman continued.

Denise Brooke, Executive Director of the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre, has seen the importance of support for refugees. “In addition to getting support with form completion and immediate settlement issues, an increasing number of refugee claimants, and in particular women, need counseling or psycho-social support.” She explained that for the Roma community in particular, layers of stress and anxiety due to discrimination and exclusion in their home countries add challenges to their health and well-being. “Access to primary health care or medical services remains a pressing need,” she explained.

“...We are horrified that individuals in Canada are being denied care on

the basis of their ethnicity or country

of origin.”

Safe countries

Janosné Tiborne Sas has been cut off from health coverage while she awaits her refugee hearing. WOMEN’S PRESS

“There are several groups who are attempting

to compensate for this embarrassing new law by donating their time and

pro-bono services but we still won’t be able to achieve the previous level of care by a

longshot.”– Scott Jones, Micah House

“[Claimants] are now being discouraged from coming to Canada to seek asylum by the threat of detainment and being

subjected to a system where they’re set up to fail because of drastically reduced

timelines that do not provide an opportunity to secure counsel and submit a strong, well-

substantiated refugee claim.” - Gina Csanyi-Robah, Roma Community Centre

“Patients we see from Mexico have some of the most

horrific stories of abuses our medical team hears. Calling this

country “safe” is absurd, and fast-tracking these individuals will certainly result in errors in

decisions that will see legitimate refugees deported.”

– Axelle Janczur, Access Alliance

HUNGARY MEXICO

“The Jobbik party prides itself on its neo-Nazi

mandate...”

This is a security and human rights crisis,

and it’s getting worse.

From Amnesty International

The Women’s Press Women in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.9

STORY OF REFUGE SHARED AT HUMAN LIBRARY ‘Dreams of bombs and killings’

Even after living in Canada for twenty years, Lina El Ali rarely has an opportunity to tell her story. That changed on January 26, when CBC and the Hamilton Public Library hosted a Human Library event. Serving as a human “book”, El Ali made herself available to the public for one-on-one conversations about her experience growing up as a refugee in Lebanon.

“Sharing my story helped me to look at my life from a different perspective,” she said. “We rarely give ourselves credit for what we have endured and overcome. By telling my story, I can see and feel where I was, and where I am now. It makes me appreciate the good things I have.”

For El Ali, the experience was particularly important as she was able to bring attention to the issues that millions of refugees still face today. “It helps to shed a light on difficult situations that are going on in the rest of the world. It raises awareness about the struggles of refugees. It makes us feel connected.”

Four public library branches across the city participated in the event, as well as fifteen cities across the country. Human Library events have been held in 27 countries around the world.

- Women’s Press

“I was born as a refugee. My grandmother fled to Lebanon during Al Nakba of the Palestinian people in 1948. I lived with my family in a refugee camp.

When I was 10 years old, a war broke out and Lebanon was occupied. Again, we had to flee our home to a neighbouring city. I lost 28 friends and neighbours including my best friend. For the rest of my childhood, I had no hope. I was always worried about the safety of my family – for my parents, three brothers, three sisters, and grandmother.

My grandmother taught us the importance of education. As refugees, we lost our house, our land and were left with nothing. The only thing that stayed with us is our education.

When I came to Canada – my life changed. I could go to school and travel where I wanted. It took me years to not have dreams of bombs and killing.

I work as a Family Settlement Counsellor where I help immigrants on their settlement journeys in Hamilton. I can relate to their struggles and understand how they feel because I have been there!

I am very proud to be Canadian.” - Lina El Ali

“It raises awareness about the struggles

of refugees. It makes us feel connected.”

Lina El Ali shares her story with at the CBC’s Human Library event at the Terryberry Library.

WOMEN’S PRESS PHOTOS

Under medieval law, a fugitive fleeing persecution was entitled to seek exemption from arrest. The original concept of a right of sanctuary, or aslyum, would mean that removing a person from the safety of a church would be a sacred violation.

The practice of church sanctuary has deep historical roots and can be traced back to the Old Testament. More recently, church sanctuaries have been offered to those who are at risk of persecution or murder in their countries of origin, and have sought refuge in other countries.

In Canada, sanctuary is offered as a last resort for those for whom the church is convinced are at risk of serious harm if they are forced to return to their country of origin.

In December 2012, the federal government implemented tough new rules for refugees. Called “Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act” and generally known as Bill C-31, this act ensures that refugee claimants will face a harsh process and one where it will be difficult to succeed. It will be even more difficult filing for a Humanitarian and Compassionate application if the claim

is denied. Many refugee activists believe that

too many refugee claimants will not have a fair opportunity to tell their story, and that refugees will be subjected to a system that is just going too fast.

According to Peter Showler, former Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) Director and law professor at the University of Ottawa, “Taking traumatized refugees who speak

neither English nor French through an arduous legal process that should include full psychological and physical exams, plus documenting events that have happened behind closed doors in police states, cannot be done in 60 days.”

This leads to the continuing existence of

Church sanctuaries in Canada. Refugee advocates say that there has not been an effective appeal system in our current refugee determination process. Each and every case is unique and it is very likely that some mistakes can be made in the many complex decisions which reach the IRB.

Churches and refugee advocates have lobbied for a fuller appeal process for many years without success. Now,

with the new measures included in Bill C-31, there is far greater potential for mistakes due to the lack of time to make decisions, to collect evidence, and lack of proper legal representation for refugee claimants.

So what are refugees to do under these circumstances? Mary Jo Leddy, a well-known refugee advocate and founder of Romero House, a refugee centre in Toronto, said: “We are shamelessly promoting sanctuary wherever we can… as refugee advocates are preparing for an increase in sanctuary cases with the implementation of Bill C-31.”

But not all church leaders may agree with sanctuary. The Venerable Dr. Richard M. Jones’ Rector of the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Hamilton explained why. “I have explored this option in the past and have rejected it because the government refuses to negotiate with anyone in sanctuary so everyone goes into limbo, you can’t file anything or talk to anyone. Secondly, the stress on the family is incredible. They become prisoners in a building that is usually not set up for living properly, for example - no showers. We had one

woman in one of our churches in Nova Scotia for three years.”

Dr. Jones continued, “I do agree this legislation will be terrible for everyone. The waits for filing the H&C will make it very hard for most people and endanger lives, but that is the government’s goal. They don’t really want refugees filling

H&C applications and in spite of the rhetoric, don’t care about human rights.”

But refugee advocates like Leddy say that churches offering sanctuary to refugees are exercising their freedom of conscience on an issue of the sanctity of life.

“Human beings are sacred,” she said. “They are not meant to be shuffled off and shipped out of this country.”

“We are a better country than Parliament has voted for. We are people who care. We are decent and we are capable of goodness,” she said.

In February, Toronto declared itself the first Canadian “sanctuary” city, allowing non-status citizens access to municipal services without question.

Hamilton’s Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie announced he believes that Hamilton should do the same, and committed to working on the process.

“Churches and refugee advocates have lobbied for a fuller appeal

process for many years without

success.”

By Maria Antelo

SANCTUARY: LAST HOPE FOR FAILED REFUGEES

“Churches offering sanctuary to refugees are

exercising their freedom of

conscience...”

MEAGAN TUTTI-PETERS

ONES TO WATCH FOR Books & movies with a social justice and/or women focus

MOVIE: Diary of a Mad Black Woman Review by: Rosemary Aswani | Written by: Tyler Perry

The Women’s PressWomen in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.10

BOOK: So Much PrettyReview by: Devon Ridge | Author: Cara Hoffman

So Much Pretty is no ordinary murder mystery novel. Set in a small rural town, it explores the atmosphere of denial and silence around the kidnapping of a 19-year-old girl named Wendy.

These events are based on a true story, but Hoffman’s truth-telling goes much deeper, brilliantly and eloquently busting myths about sexual violence. By bringing to light just how common violence against women is, So Much Pretty deconstructs the shock value of sexual violence in the media.

Furthermore, this novel deals with the way in which violence is concealed and hidden in our society. As the fabulously rage-filled news reporter, Flynn says, “Did you know thirteen hundred women are killed every year in the US by intimates? Boyfriends or husbands. What’s that like, three, maybe more than three, women a day? That fact alone should have that [sherrif] all over that s--- pile up there.” He expresses such disgust after hearing that the police did not even consider searching Wendy’s new boyfriend’s factory pig farm.

Through a fast-paced, multi-voiced narrative, the story follows protagonist Alice Piper through childhood. Alice grows up in an open-minded family that has moved to the small town to take up dreams of escaping mainstream society and becoming organic farmers. Alice goes to the same school as Wendy, and responds to the older girl’s disappearance with something much stronger than the apathetic gestures given by the rest of the town.

Alice is not blinded by the way other families attempt to normalize Wendy’s

disappearance. She is upset about her murder, and clearly sees the town’s apathy and denial towards her tragic death. She is aware of the community’s ignorance, and holds them responsible for Wendy’s death.

Alice’s clear-headed and firm response to the situation forms the mystery of the novel. In the aftermath, readers are faced with the question: if a child was raised knowing the truth about violence and oppression in society, what would she do?

For me, this challenging question reminded me of some things that the

Sexual Assault Centre (SACHA) volunteer training touched on. Our training manual presents a clear stance on the mixed messages about sexual violence, stating, “No young person acquires m i s i n f o r m a t i o n voluntarily. The

misinformation is imposed through social training, which can also be viewed as violence against young people.”

So Much Pretty also explores the belief that sexual violence is built into society and our everyday lives. Hoffman takes on these difficult and multi-layered discussions while also validating people’s desire to step outside of this culture of violence by telling themselves slightly or overtly untrue stories about it.

Overall, I found that this book challenged my analysis and understanding of violence against women into some uncomfortable places. But often times it is the very best way to reflect and learn about a complex social issue.

I went to see Diary of a Mad Black Woman in August of 2006, expecting a sold out movie theatre. My friends and I, six in total, found ourselves alone in Oakville’s Silver City Theatre.

If you have watched a Tyler Perry comedy or movie then you know that Madea always laughs. At times, I found myself laughing so hard that my rib cage felt as if it would burst open while at other times, I found the scenes painful to watch. But overall, I was drawn into a comedic-drama in which a woman has to learn how to love and trust men all over again.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman is based on Tyler Perry’s play by the same name. The story revolves around the life of Helen (played by Kimberly Elise), whose husband is a successful criminal lawyer in Atlanta.

Helen appears to be living a charmed life with a husband to whom she has been married for 18 years, but her lifestyle abruptly changes from luxurious security to despair, when she is forced to leave her two-timing, wealthy husband Charles, a character played by Steve Harris. Charles literally pushes her out of the house kicking and screaming in protest, and leaves her on the front porch, so as to bring in another woman. Of course he has pre-planned all this because there is a U-Haul waiting for her outside, with her meagre belongings that she has collected over time. The hunky driver of the U-Haul is Orlando (played by Shemar Moore). He immediately finds himself smitten with her. And who

could blame him? There is nothing more attractive to a man than a woman experiencing an emotional episode provoked by another man.

Helen finds herself with nowhere to go but to her Aunt Madea’s home. Aunt Madea (played by Tyler Perry) is a sassy woman, who has no qualms about voicing her opinions, and a gun that she’s not afraid to use. As Madea helps Helen get back on her feet emotionally, the U-Hall driver returns but Helen is not sure if she is ready to trust a man again. Helen eventually finds that faith and family will quickly fill the void in her life, which used to be occupied by luxury and wealth. An unpredictable twist

of fate brings Helen face to face with herself, forcing her to make decisions and take actions that will forever shape the woman she is destined to become.

In a short period, the movie touches on so many aspects of universal

experiences of life. It holds such depth and could be viewed several times. You will find a small piece of yourself in the ingenious mixture of drama and comedy.

The Diary of a Mad Black Woman challenges our perceptions of relationships, family, and faith. It has some crude humor and intense domestic scenes. It sure stirred up my own emotions greatly.

If you are not a fan of Tyler Perry movies, then this is one diary better left rotting on the shelf with the other dust collectors.

“You will find a small piece of yourself in the

ingenious mixture of drama and

comedy.”

Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Womantouches on many aspects of life by challenging our perceptions of relationships, family, and faith.

Cara Hoffman’s So Much Prettyexplores the belief that sexual violence is built into society and our every day lives.

“If a child was raised knowing the truth about violence and oppression in

society, what would she do?”

What does this book say about violence against women in our society?

How does SACHA’s volunteer training connect with this book?? FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

Do you have a BOOK or FILM you would like to write about for the Women’s Press?

Submit your IDEA or WRITING to mdrew@IWCHamilton.ca.

Share your thoughts!

The Women’s Press Women in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.11

English: Sign up for LINC classes anytime! (Main, Rebecca, Mountain) English for Work: Intensive Listening and Speaking. Obtain practical customer service experience and full benchmark level in 280 hours! This program is for CLB 4 and above only. Program runs Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm (Main)

Information Sessions

Mountain Site | 1119 Fennell Ave East Call 905-387-1100 for more info. March 13 | 10 to 11 am | Setting Limits & Boundaries with your Children with John Howard Society and Anne Vickers March 14 | 10:30 am | Physical Activity for Children with Janina Sobczuk and Seema SultaniMarch 19 & 26 | 10:30am | Understanding Cultural Awareness with Nada Tuta, IWC Family Settlement CounsellorMarch 20 & 27 | 1pm | Culture and Communication Styles with Nada Tuta, IWC Family Settlement Counsellor April 10 | 10:00am | Influences and Pressure on Youth with Anne Vickers, John Howard Society

Rebecca Site | 182 Rebecca Street Call 905-525-9676 for more information. March 6 | 10am | Cyberbullying and Facebook with Sandra Wilson, Hamilton PoliceMarch 13 | 3pm | Women’s Health with Dr. Jessica Liauw, McMaster UniversityApril 10 | 2pm | Car Seat Safety with Manuela Trombetto, Hamilton Public HealthApril 16 | 10am | Energy Home Assistance with Antonio Galati, Horizon Utilities

Main Site | 8 Main Street East | Call 905-529-5209 for more information.

Job Search Workshops

The Job Search Workshops (JSW) program is a workshop that gives you the job search tools to help you succeed in the Canadian job market. The program runs Monday to Friday, 9am - 12pm. Mountain: March 5 - 8 (Module I) March 19 - 22 (Module 2) Rebecca: April 2 - 5 (Module 1) April 16 - 19 (Module 2)

MAIN SITE8 Main St E Suite 101

905-529-5209

MOUNTAIN SITE1119 Fennell Ave E #236

905-387-1100

REBECCA SITE 182 Rebecca St

905-525-9676

BARTON SITE2255 Barton St E 905-573-7663

MONTCALM SITE45 Montcalm Dr #43 905-388-5048

TIME WELL SPENTJoin us at the Immigrant

Women’s Centre! On-site childminding with all

daytime programs.

Improve Your Language Skills!

Leading and Learning

Attend a six week workshop. Learn about housing, education and employment rights and responsibilities. Learn leadership skills. Contact Cassandra for more info and upcoming workshops at 905-529-5209 x223. Next session starts April 2, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 - 12:00.

Volunteer Training SessionMonday, March 25, 10am at Main Site. Call Cassandra at 905-529-5209 x223.

Learn, work, grow.

In one hour, Nimo Ibrahim Omar’s life was turned upside down.

A combination of broken elevators and blocked stairwells did not allow paramedics and police to quickly reach out and revive her husband – who was suffering from a heart attack on the 14th floor of their downtown apartment building.

“It took them 45 minutes to get upstairs,” she said, translated from Arabic. “All the neighbours came to help – but the ambulance didn’t make it. In the hospital they told us if he was brought in 20 minutes earlier he’d still be alive.”

Her husband, Abdikadir Omar Bade, had sudden severe chest pains and was showing signs of distress when he called to his wife for help. He felt his limbs slowly going numb and while gasping for air, fell to his knees and collapsed, all while paramedics were stuck in the apartment building lobby. Bade would have had turned 51 on January 1.

“He was well-known in the community,” said Asha Bogor, Somali Settlement Counsellor at the Immigrant Women’s Centre. “He was very kind, he used to help everyone. He did everything for Somali families in Hamilton.” An estimated 500 people attended his funeral on January 2, 2013.

Bade played an essential role in helping to raise their six children, including three who require additional attention due to physical disabilities. “My husband did everything for me. He paid the bills, paid insurance, did the banking, driving, and doctor’s appointments.”

“Everybody tries to help but no one can fill his position” she continued, while still being very grateful for the support she has been given by her neighbours and community. “I will always remember

him because of our kids; his kindness I will never forget, he is the first and last I will marry.”

Life in SomaliaBade and Omar had known each other

for 35 years. They have a long history of enduring friendship and love, living together in the same neighbourhood since they were young,

Omar recalls their life before Somalia’s Civil War, which started in 1991: “In Somalia it was very nice, we had no war, no enemies. Life was peaceful and quiet - the kids just played outside and everyone watched out for each other.”

When the war began, they fled to Ethiopia, then to Djibouti, and on to Kenya, where they lived in a refugee camp. They were sponsored to come to Canada by a local church in 2006.

In the process, Omar lost members of her extended family including brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles. On a personal level, she also suffered from miscarriage and infant death.

“Life is not fair, but what can you do?” she said, with a hint of optimism. “I have to do what I have to do – it’s difficult.”

Although Omar carries the pain of loss with her – she finds strength in her husband’s last words to her: “Forgive me - I don’t think I’ll be here anymore. God help you and the kids.”

PHOTOS BY FATUMA

Family grieves loss

“Everybody tries to help but no one can fill his

position.”

- Continued from page 1 - In an extensive qualitative study

done in 2003, scholars directly correlated the relationship between women’s incomes and gambling. Women gamblers typically earn less money, and often draw from household money to gamble. Participants in the study also pointed out the other negative aspects to gambling, such as loss of control, financial problems, and emotional and relationship difficulties.

Despite the growing number of females in the paid workforce, women remain at an economic disadvantage. A 2010 report by the Hamilton Research & Planning Council noted that women in Hamilton earn only 73% of men’s wages, and that there is ongoing employment segregation between “men’s work” and “women’s work” in the city. Furthermore, the study notes that women 15 years or older account for 43% of Hamilton’s total low-income population.

A November 2012 report prepared for the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction regarding poverty and gambling noted that low-income households have lower incidences of gambling, but spend disproportionately more money. The report also notes that proximity to a casino is associated with greater

participation in gambling and greater expenditure.

Hamilton’s downtown core is home to some of the most economically vulnerable populations of the city. These populations are at risk of falling victim to loss of public city spaces and neighborhoods being pushed out by the casino. While the current discourse by casino proponents suggests that a downtown casino would bring in revenue and employment to the core, there is little admittance to the research indicating

that lower-income households will be most negatively affected by a downtown gaming facility.

There are other important questions to ask when considering the positives and negatives of a downtown

gaming facility. What population of Hamiltonians will most benefit from the revenues brought forth by a casino? Do the harmful social costs of gambling outweigh the potential profits? Does part-time, precarious casino employment mean more than investing in the local businesses continually growing in the downtown core? And perhaps the most important question: how much do we value the lives of all Hamiltonians, including those most marginalized in our communities?

“...proximity to a casino

is associated with greater

participation in gambling...”

By Nicole Rallis

What does the downtown core risk by having a casino?

Do you want a casino in downtown Hamilton? Why or why not? ? FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

WHY GENDER MATTERS IN THE DOWNTOWN CASINO DEBATE

Casino!

The Women’s PressWomen in Hamilton,Raising our Voices.

Issue 20 • Mar. & Apr. 2013 • p.12

H I V & P R E G N A N C Y P L A N N I N G

A Free Community Education Forum

Do you have questions about HIV & Pregnancy Planning? Do you provide health support or social services to women living with HIV?

The AIDS Network is pleased to host a free community education forum on HIV & Pregnancy Planning. The event will feature presentations by leading researchers in the field.

The event will also include complimentary lunch and free resources.

Everyone is Welcome!

For More Information & to RSVP Contact: The AIDS Network Heather Lynds Women’s Community Development Worker 905-528-0854 ext.245

Wednesday, March 20th 10 am until 2pm Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, West Ballroom 116 King Street West, Hamilton, ON

Please RSVP by Monday March 18th

Learn how to:- Expand your banking options- Budgeting, saving & borrowing- Protect your money- Talk to financial advisors

Take our six week workshop for women on Personal & Family Financial Management

at the Immigrant Women’s Centre.

Sign up today! For more info contact Aivel at acagas@IWCHamilton.ca or

905-529-5209.

Your Money,

Your Future!

International Student Services & MacAbroad

Advising on student visas and permits, student life and counseling

Information on exchange, study abroad and volunteer abroad programs

Presentations, workshops and events geared towards student success

Mentorship programs for international and incoming exchange students

Administration of Health Insurance Plan for International Students (UHIP)

Guidance on living and working abroad

Intercultural Developmental Inventory

http://oisa.mcmaster.ca | Gilmour Hall, Room 104

WomensPressIWC.caREAD STORIES. SHARE KNOWLEDGE. TRANSFORM OUR COMMUNITY.

VISIT US ONLINE!

BALANCINGYOUR

BUDGET?