It’s not everyday that someone gets invited to speak to the United Nations.
Community Advocate on Women’s Issues Colleen Purdon of Owen Sound is doing just that today.
Purdon says it’s an honour to be asked, and she views it as an opportunity to talk about Rural Women and Poverty.
A University of Guelph group called “Rural Women Making Change” was invited to help launch the second UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty, and in turn, they invited Purdon.
Purdon says she plans to tell the U.N. that it’s a myth that Canada has “it all together” when it comes to looking after our poor, particularly women.
As an example, she says if Canada donates financial aid to other countries, proof must be made of how it will benefit BOTH men and women.
She says our internal programs don’t have to meet that standard, and cites cutbacks to Ontario Works as an example.
Purdon says the cutbacks disproportionatly impact women and families, especially single women.
Purdon says the U.N. visit will also be an opportunity to learn about poverty reduction.
She says developing countries may have a lot to tell Canada about the role of women in poverty reduction, and rural strategies to help our communities be sustainable.
On Friday, Purdon will release The Report Card on Rural Poverty.
