Grey Bruce Huron and Perth Counties barely get a passing grade in a new report card on women and poverty.
“Poverty, It’s Not a Choice I Made”, is the name of a report by local women’s advocate Colleen Purdon.
The report is a snapshot of rural poverty in the four counties.
Purdon says we have earned a “D” or “Poor” in treating women with respect and dignity, and also for meeting basic food, housing, health and safety needs.
When it comes to providing access for training, education, information and support, the region scores a “C”, or “Fair”.
A “C” is also how we rate in terms of providing equal opportunity and status for women.
Purdon says 189 people living in Grey, Bruce, Huron, and Perth Counties provided data for the study.
One third were identified as women living with poverty, and another third was identified as service providers working with poor women.
The final third were identified as people interested in poverty issues.
Information was also gathered from women who attended focus groups in Owen Sound and Stratford.
The report also details suggestions for improving the ratings, such as improving social assistance rates, connecting women with the services they need, and creating a rural transportation strategy.
