letter to justin trudeau- feminism final
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Uploaded by ChefArtGrouse40
November 22, 2022
Justin Trudeau
24 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
To Justin Trudeau:
My name is Maya Forestell and I am a first-year student at the University of Ottawa. I am currently in my first semester and am enrolled in a course titled Feminism and Gender Studies. The purpose of this course is to broaden my understanding of feminism and gender studies, as well as topics related to violence against women. Violence against women, which regrettably is extremely prevalent in our society Since you, Mr. Trudeau currently have one of the most powerful voices in Canada, and therefore you would be the most ideal person to whom this letter should be addressed to because you will be able to implement the most change. Gender-based violence, commonly known as violence against women, refers to violent acts that are primarily committed against women. Women who experience this kind of assault are rendered helpless and submissive to men. The two main types of violence against women are physical assault and sexual assault. It should be noted that all women are subject to both types of assault. Unfortunately, gender-
based violence is quite common in today's culture, and we need to put a stop to it. I hope I can persuade you to enact new legislation in contradiction to violence against women in Canada and can hopefully influence every country to do the same. This may seem like a large ask but with your help and the implementation of new legislation at the very least we will be able to provide a sense of safety and peace of mind to some women in Canada
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1 Physical and sexual violence, such as rape, is one of the main types of violence against women that I believe should be examined and is still common today. Rape is a sexual assault that typically involves unwanted sexual contact or other sexual misconduct. Rape can occur to any gender, but it tends to happen more often to women. A guest speaker who presented in my class named Lindsay Ostridge provided our class with the key points of the sexual assault policies. She examined many helplines and even gave people the chance to speak about their experiences with sexual assault in my class. This lecture gave me a better understanding of how
rape can happen to anyone at any time or any place. I find myself being extra careful, especially
in a big city like Ottawa. According to Canadian Statistics, one in four males would commit rape if given the chance and to explain their actions, they claim that men are biologically expendable. Doe (2003), as cited in Hobbs & Rice, 2018) stated that women who are internationally recognized anti-rape writer stated how by abiding by a list of Don'ts, women can
stop things from happening to them, like being raped. The "Don'ts" she includes are, "Do not go
out alone. Do not go out alone at night. Do not go out alone or at night unless accompanied by someone (male). Do not open the windows. Do not open the doors. Lock the windows and doors. Do not talk to strangers (men). Do not assist strangers (men). Do not take shortcuts. Alternate your daily routine and routes to work or school. Do not take elevators by yourself (or with strange men). Monitor the motions of the men around you. Do not ride the bus alone. Do not get off the bus alone. Leave your lights on. Do not use underground parking. Do not park on
the street. Walk in pairs. Walk on the road. Walk down the middle of the road. Carry a cell phone. Do not struggle. Do not resist. Do not fight back. Do not arm yourself. Eat grass. (Doe, 2004, p. 118- 128)". She then starts speaking on how every woman knows these things already
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1 but how a lot of women are aware of these unwritten rules, but it is not spoken of enough in today's society. Mr. Trudeau, you have the power to speak out about this problem and ensure that society understands that women are outnumbered and sexually assaulted daily. I do not believe that women on a day-to-day basis should have to follow a "don't" list to stay safe when this is not a problem that would cross the mind of a man when living alone or walking at night. In Canada, Aboriginal women and girls experience prominent levels of violence for as long as I can remember. At an early age, I was taught about violence against women in school and there was often a heavy emphasis on the number of Aboriginal women and girls who experience sexual and physical violence. Numerous Indigenous women have experienced multiple traumatic events and various forms of violence throughout their lives. This can include abusive relationships, sexual abuse, family violence, and trauma brought on by colonial violence, including systemic racism and effects that were shown across generations. In the book
Gender and Women Studies, there is a page titled "Snapshots & Soundwaves" (chapter 36). The
Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action states (FAFIA), (as cited in Hobbs & Rice, 2018), explain that "Aboriginal women in Canada report rates of violence including domestic violence and sexual assault 3.5 times higher than non-Aboriginal women. Young Aboriginal women are five times more likely than other Canadian women of the same age to die of violence" (FAFIA, p. 555). I think that because of Canada's colonial past, Indigenous women and girls are now compelled to live in risky and unstable social and economic situations, which makes them more susceptible to various forms of abuse. Mr. Trudeau, it is sad and terrifying that the past is still being brought into society today. I am part Metis, and I am lucky as a girl in
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1 this world that I was brought up in a good neighbourhood and have never been targeted. But my ancestors may not have had it good when they were young, which is not fair. Violence against women is not going to be resolved without men knowing how to prevent mental and physical violence toward women of all cultures. Gender-based violence damages a person's sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Also, the idea of violating the fundamental human right to be free from violence. It has an impact on both physical and mental health and can result in self-harm, social isolation, depression, and suicide attempts. Engaging men in the process of eliminating gender violence can help avoid violence against women because men usually hold more power and influence in a home or community. With the power, you have Trudeau you can easily engage men in understanding the effects they have on women and hopefully create a difference in society. Differences in pursuing normality in women having more power in the average household or community vs men having it. I found the "10 things men can do to prevent gender violence" from Snapshots and Soundwaves of the Gender and Women's Studies textbook highly informative and insightful for men to read (Katz, 2013). Katz (2013) also explains number six on the list to be as follows, "Be an ally to women who are working to end all forms of gender violence. Support the work of campus-based women's centers. Attend "Take Back the Night" rallies and other public events. Raise money for community-based rape crisis centers and battered women's shelters. If you belong to a team or fraternity, or another student group, organize a fundraiser" (Katz, p. 547). This stood out to me because if men were to present themselves in social events like the ones listed above it could potentially influence more men to do the same. This could help resolve the problems of women
being targeted for their bodies and cultures.
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1 With the power, you have Mr. Trudeau you can help millions of women who are targeted with violence daily. I am writing to you so you can help create a difference for women. I trust you to use all the information above to the best of your ability. I believe that us women need to
see change and if we start now, it could create a snowball effect for the generations to come. I know you can help me create change that has been needed for centuries. Thank you for hopefully taking the time to read this and I hope it persuades you to speak more on violence against women.
With all the Best,
Maya Forestell
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1 References
Action (FAFIA). (n.d.). Excerpted from “Campaign of Solidarity with Aboriginal Women.” Ottawa,
On: FAFIA. Retrieved from: http://fafia-afai.org/en/solidarity-campaign/
.
Cotter, A., & Savage, L. (2019, December 05). Gender-based violence and unwanted sexual
behaviour in Canada, 2018:. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2019001/article/00017-eng.htm
Doe, J., & Boyle, S. (2015). 118-128. In
The story of Jane Doe: A book about rape
. Toronto:
Second Story Press. Hobbs, M., & Rice, C. (2018). Gender and women's studies: Critical terrain
. Women's Press. Katz, J. (2013). 10 things men can do to prevent gender violence - Jackson Katz. Retrieved
November 24, 2022, from https://jacksonkatz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/10-
Things-Flyer.pdf
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