DESI DIARY
BREAKING BARRIERS TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
SAFSS Executive Director Sudip Minhas (second from right) and the Chairman of the Board Roger Ramkissoon with police officers,
Settlement Assistance & Family Support Services (SAFSS), in collaboration with Dolphin Bingo, hosted the groundbreaking Breaking Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Gender Identities in Immigrant Communities conference.
The event marked a milestone in the ongoing fight to create safer and more inclusive spaces for all Canadians, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds.
The conference theme, Breaking Barriers, captured the essence of the gathering, aiming to dismantle the complex challenges faced by immigrant communities in relation to gender-based violence and gender identities. The event provided a platform for passionate advocates, experts, stakeholders, and community members to come together, share knowledge, and foster collaboration to address these critical issues.
The success of the conference was largely due to the dedication of SAFSS’s leadership team. Executive Director Sudip Minhas, whose guidance propels SAFSS’s commitment to serving victims of domestic violence and providing settlement services for newcomers, played an instrumental role. Chairman of the Board Roger Ramkissoon’s steadfast support ensures that SAFSS’s impact extends effectively throughout the community. The presence of SAFSS founder Aruna Papp, who shared her valuable insights, added another layer of depth and inspiration to the discussions.
The event received strong endorsement from prominent government officials. The Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, the Mayor of Markham, and the MPP Scarborough North all expressed their continued commitment to partnering with SAFSS in its mission to combat gender-based violence and promote gender inclusivity.
The conference featured an inspiring keynote address by Carla Neto, whose thought-provoking insights challenged traditional perspectives and ignited meaningful conversations about creating safer spaces for everyone. Gila Torres, with her warmth and eloquence, skillfully facilitated the panel discussions, fostering an atmosphere of respect, dialogue, and collaboration.
The expert panels played a crucial role in enriching the discussion by delving into the complexities of gender-based violence and gender identities within immigrant communities. The panelists’ expertise, opinions, and engagement with the audience contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. The testimonials from survivors of gender-based violence added a poignant and powerful dimension to the conference. Their stories served as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and offered hope and encouragement to others who may be suffering.
SAFSS founder Aruna Papp, Executive Director Sudip Minhas and Zarina Sherazee.
The conference served as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing the deeply rooted issues of gender-based violence and promoting gender inclusivity within immigrant communities. The event’s success underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between community organizations, government agencies, and individuals in creating a more just and equitable society for all.
It has paved the way for further progress in breaking down barriers and building bridges towards a future free from gender-based violence.