Hosted by The Justice Centre at BWSS

In Pursuit of Justice!: Taking Action on Violence Against Women and Gender-Based Violence

A two-day conference will address the key challenges and solutions for taking action on violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

When: November 25 – 26, 2024  |  9 AM – 5 PM Both Days

Where: 312 Main Street. Admission is by donation at the door.

Why: To commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and launch the 16 Days of Activism, the Justice Centre at BWSS will host a two-day conference in response to the urgent need to address the alarming rise in femicides and violence against women, girls, and gender-marginalized individuals, particularly Indigenous women, and Two-Spirit people.

Through keynotes (see below), panels and community discussions, the conference will cover, but is not limited to:

• The criminalization of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour (BIWOC) within the legal system.
• Key family law issues, including coercive control, peace bonds, and protection orders.
• The intersections of criminal law and child protection and their effects on survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).
• Transformative justice approaches that provide healing pathways beyond the criminal system, particularly for those impacted by child protection concerns.
• Strategies for centering survivors’ voices in discussions to advocate for changes in legal and social systems.

RSVP is now closed. We have reached full capacity for the event. Thank you to everyone for your interest in The Justice Centre at BWSS Conference!

Keynotes and Community Discussions

Keynote Speakers

Sandra DeLaronde

Project Lead of Giganawenimaanaanig (we take care of them all)

Sandra DeLaronde is a dedicated advocate for Indigenous people in Manitoba and a champion for the Red Dress Alert initiative, which raises awareness about the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Women, Girls, and 2-Spirited persons (MMIWG2S). As co-chair of Manitoba’s MMIWG2S Coalition, she works tirelessly to ensure families are represented in the national inquiry, amplifying their voices and experiences. DeLaronde’s leadership and commitment to cultural reclamation make her a vital figure in community development and reconciliation efforts. (Learn more about Sandra DeLaronde)

Meseret Haileyesus

Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment

Meseret Haileyesus leads the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment, focusing on tackling economic abuse by advocating for women’s economic rights and collaborating with various stakeholders to address policy gaps. She has been instrumental in developing Canada’s first Economic Abuse Screening Tool and pushing for the inclusion of economic abuse in the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. As a proud mother, Meseret is dedicated to creating a more just and inclusive society that supports the well-being of women and girls. (Learn more about Meseret Haileyesus)

Dr. Margaret Jackson

Professor of Criminology at Simon Fraser University and Director of the Institute for Studies in Criminal Justice Policy

Margaret is a Professor Emerita in, and past Director of the School of Criminology, and past Director of the Institute for Studies in Criminal Justice Policy at SFU. She has also been the Director of the FREDA Centre since she first helped form it 30 years ago. The Centre has primarily focused upon policy and  research issues related to gendered based violence against women and children.

(Learn more about Dr. Margaret Jackson)