We have closed the LEAF National Office and our team is now working remotely. We will continue our work to advance the substantive rights of women and girls through the COVID-19 crisis. We will also continue to highlight the gendered impacts of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable in our communities.
Why is COVID-19 an equality issue?
At LEAF, we are used to seeing things through an equality and gendered lens. This view is more important than ever. As with most crises, some people are more vulnerable than others. The impact of COVID-19 will be felt differently, depending on many factors, including employment and housing stability and accessible and strong health care systems.
The most vulnerable members of our communities will face the greatest challenges and risk of harm during this crisis, including those who have pre-existing illnesses, live with disabilities, must self-isolate with their abusive partners, are confined to prisons or detention centres, live without job security or safe housing, or are called upon to care for those who have fallen ill. We must guard against this pandemic exacerbating the already existing systemic inequalities.
How will LEAF continue to advocate for the most vulnerable and/or those disproportionately affected by systemic inequality?
At LEAF, we will keep fighting for pay equity and pension equality, and highlight how women will significantly carry the burden of caregiving and job losses, because this pandemic will intensify the economic barriers women already face.
At LEAF, we will keep fighting for the security and safety of women, and highlight how shelters and other services for women facing intimate partner abuse need to be supported, because home is not safe for everyone.
At LEAF, we will keep fighting against the racist and sexist myths and stereotypes that exist about Indigenous women in the legal system, because Indigenous women and girls face a higher risk of infection and death in this pandemic.
How can you support LEAF at this time?
LEAF will continue to advocate for the equality rights of women and girls through this crisis, and your continued support for LEAF is more important than ever.
If you can, please consider donating to LEAF so that we can continue to play a vital role in ensuring that the actions taken to address COVID-19 are understood through an equality and gendered lens.
Follow us on our Twitter and Facebook pages for up-to-date information about the gendered impacts of COVID-19 and ways to take action.
Let’s help each other weather the impacts of this pandemic and ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind in the process.
