Newly announced federal funding to women’s initiatives are a positive step forward but do not address the systemic causes of gender disparity, leading advocacy groups say.

Photo illustration by Adrienne Coling

“The issues impacting aboriginal women that go beyond simply a justice or safety perspective to many circumstances and root causes that have been rooted in inter-generational trauma, systemic racism and abuse,” she said.

With a previous grant of $5 million, Sisters in Spirit have already compiled a database of more than 520 missing or murdered women over the past four decades.

Though that funding expires March 31, the group is still unaware of how directly they will be involved in the release of the proposed funding.

Rexe said funding must now go towards on-the-ground supports for victims and their families, and it must come with a cultural sensitivity that will not perpetuate the cycle of crime and victimization in aboriginal communities.

“This ‘tough on crime’ agenda the Conservative government has been very open about needs to recognize that aboriginal peoples are far more often victims of violent crime in Canada than any other group,” she said.

Fred Phelps, a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers, said health, secured retirement and poverty are the key issues to adequately addressing the systemic failures that perpetuate women’s inequality.

“Other than a few token programs, there was nothing that moved to develop an anti-poverty strategy in Canada,” he said.

A statement released by Minister of Status of Women, Helena Guergis, marked International Women’s Day with a commitment to two more women’s programs: the Women in Municipal Government National Program will receive $361,265, and the Older Women and Financial Literacy: Bridging the Income Gap program will receive $390,227.

"The two projects announced today will help provide more women with the skills, knowledge and confidence to participate fully in their families, their communities and Canadian society. This is one more thing to celebrate on International Women's Day," said Guergis.

Status of Women Canada has also announced what they tout as a major step for women and gender equality in Canada. As of January 2011, self-employed Canadians will see employment insurance benefits for maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care.