Citizenship and Immigration committee  How are settlement services different for women?

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I see women's needs as very special and distinct from the needs of men. We are not working with only the Afghans, as I mentioned. We are working with refugees from other countries, like lots of Syrians, Iraqis, people from Iran and other places as well. Also, there is a lack of support they got back in their country.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  The first thing is to establish a rapport and trust between the settlement worker and them. Mostly the settlement workers come from a similar background, and they are sensitive to the services and don't push them, and they allow them to be open. That works a lot. Usually there is also one-on-one counselling and also small group supports among the women who have gone through this abuse, violence and similar difficulties.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Actually, we are receiving funding from two levels of government and also from other funders, foundations and others. The major funding comes from IRCC. The type of funding excludes refugee claimants and citizens. They are not eligible for that funding. When the claimants come here, at the first stage, they miss the opportunity to receive the services.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Okay.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  It's based on our experience of many years, realizing that some of the women will never come out of their homes if not for women-only classes or programs. As I mentioned, certain women are housebound and won't come out. We initiate meeting with them inside their homes, encourage them, and bring them to the women-only programs.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I think as a settlement organization, not only Afghan Women's Organization but all organizations, if you want to provide the best type of services, you have to take a holistic approach. That's what we do. When we work with women, we don't isolate them from their families. Especially in the culture that we're working in, it doesn't happen.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes, we do. Actually, we had a very good program for seniors, which the province has unfortunately stopped, so it won't continue. With seniors it's good if they're learning something that's practical. For example, we had a cooking program for seniors that involved them learning about nutrition.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you very much for this opportunity. I'm here on behalf of Afghan Women's Organization, known as AWO. The mission of Afghan Women's Organization is for immigrants and refugees, as well as those who have experienced war and persecution, to lead self-sufficient and dignified lives in a socially inclusive society.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I think it's very important to do an assessment of the woman, what are her needs—because a woman's need is unique to herself—

Citizenship and Immigration committee  —and provide some resources appropriate to her needs.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes, that's why I mentioned that it's important to work with the men and the women. We also get men involved. Usually in our organization we mostly get some male volunteers, even if it's from faith groups, to talk to the men who could potentially be abusive, if you can find that out.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  No, if it is in terms of the family reunification, that should be separate from coming for work, bringing the workers in our economy class. Family reunification should be solely for the need to reunite the family. Also, as I mentioned, the educational skills should not be taken into consideration.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes, I absolutely agree. We do use mentors, actually, for abused women, and also for youth and for other generations. We found that to be very successful. Actually, I wanted to also mention that it is also important for the kids growing up here to start in their childhood. We have a program that we call “Equality Rocks!”

Citizenship and Immigration committee  No.