Changing Needs of Northern & Rural Women in Manitoba

“No ‘one size fits all’ solutions”

Partnership Rural Secretariat Public Health Agency of Canada National Crime Prevention Centre Status of Women Canada Women’s Enterprise Centre RDI, Brandon University

Goals Gain information on the needs of rural and northern Manitoba women Assess whether the needs of rural and northern women have changed as their communities have changed and evolved How to address the current needs and issues of rural and northern women What strategies are working well and what issues are not being addressed

Process Reviewed and analyzed 6 major studies conducted in the last 10 years Identified key issues Designed research to build on previous research and valid results

Participants Organization leaders 23 Focus group – rural women 13 Focus group – northern women 11 Survey 114 Telephone interviews 3 Total women164

Five Key Areas 1.Employment & Income 2.Child Care Services 3.Education & Training 4.Safety, Security & Health 5.Rural and Northern Women as Decision Makers - Capacity Building

Key Findings Employment Rural and northern communities in crisis Create jobs or business opportunities in the north and off-farms to assist in the survival of families

Key Findings Child Care Flexible child care to meet different needs Farm families/safety Child care should be a component of all training and employment programs More spaces

Key Findings Education & Training Increased availability in communities Entrepreneurial training Information on existing programs Bursaries and grants for low income families

Key Findings Safety, Security & Health Violence and sexually exploited women – need resources and public awareness to support change Shelters and second stage housing Limited availability of health services Cost of food, particularly in the north

Essentials Solutions must be holistic and build supports for: Transportation Child care Support for women or families in crisis

Women Want to Participate in Decision Making Does the perspective of women need to be taken into account when developing policies and programs?

What women expressed more than anything is the wish to contribute to making their communities a better place for all.

How Can That Be Achieved? 1.Ensure that women are at consultations. Offer child care and transportation. 2.Consider gender differences when designing programs. 3.Ensure that information on programs is “women-friendly” and available. 4.Advertise supports such as child care, transportation, counselling.

“Rural (and northern) women have knowledge essential to formulating effective policy that will maintain and improve their wellbeing.” A Rural Participant

Changing Needs of Northern & Rural Women in Manitoba