End FGM2022-05-18T11:10:13-04:00

Q&A with FGM survivor, Maryan Abdikadir 

On March 28 2022, Senator Gerba, MP Karen Vecchio, MP Larry Brock and I hosted a virtual film screening of the award-winning documentary on female genital mutilation, In The Name of Your Daughter followed by an information session with FGM survivor, Maryan Abdikadir. I urge you to read the very informative Q&A conducted with Maryan as part of the session.

Senate Interventions on FGM

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Honourable senators, the United Nations has declared February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. I am truly disappointed to inform you that Canada’s record on prosecuting this horrific and excruciating practice is dismal. Although the Criminal Code was amended in 1997 to include female genital mutilation as a form of aggravated assault, to date there have been no prosecutions for female genital mutilation in Canada. Twenty-five years, no prosecutions.

By |February 10th, 2022|Categories: Statement|Tags: , , |0 Comments

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Honourable senators, I rise today to speak to the urgent need to all violence against women and girls. As you all know, yesterday, December 6, marked a very significant day of commemoration in the fight against female violence. Thirty years and one day ago on December 6, 1989, 14 young women were killed by misogynistic, senseless and indefensible violence.

By |December 7th, 2021|Categories: Statement|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Female Genital Mutilation

Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate. Leader, last Saturday, February 6, was the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. Last night, 125 women from the University Women’s Club of Vancouver came together in Vancouver to discuss how Canada has let us down.

By |February 9th, 2021|Categories: Question|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Female Genital Mutilation

Mr. Leader, I know that you won't be able to give us an answer today, but I am asking you to conduct an inquiry on female genital mutilation and to come back to this chamber with an answer as soon as possible. As you know, I am working on the problem of female genital mutilation. I would like to know whether the Department of Justice has taken measures to prosecute the alleged offenders or whether it intends to adopt any such measures.

By |May 14th, 2015|Categories: Question|Tags: , , |0 Comments

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Honourable senators, today, February 6, marks the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. Female genital mutilation is a practice that historically has victimized roughly 125 million women and girls. It is a procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of a female's external genitalia. As Canadians, we acknowledge that female genital mutilation is a form of child abuse. As a country we have taken steps to speak out against this practice. Unfortunately, in spite of our efforts, over 30 million girls continue to be at risk, as female genital mutilation is still practised today.

By |February 6th, 2014|Categories: Statement|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Female Genital Mutilation

Honourable senators, I rise today to speak about the gross human rights violation that continues to victimize women and girls in Canada and abroad. Throughout history, roughly 114 million women and girls have undergone some form of female genital mutilation. This procedure is practised in 27 countries in Africa, 7 countries in the Middle East, as well as in several parts of Malaysia, India and Indonesia. Although many people are quick to dismiss this practice as an African issue or perhaps even an immigrant issue, female genital mutilation is in fact very much a Canadian issue and is one that demands our immediate attention.

By |June 9th, 2011|Categories: Statement|Tags: , , |0 Comments

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