#VitalSigns2020: Gender Equality in Canada

Summary

The speaker reflects on the resilience and strength of marginalized communities, particularly women, two-spirit individuals, and people of color, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. They highlight the persistent dangers faced by these groups, including poverty, isolation, and violence, while emphasizing their leadership in defining justice. The speaker envisions a decolonized future where power is shared, and a world free from violence, symbolized by the fluidity and strength of water—uncontainable and powerful.

Takeaways

• 😀 The river represents change and adaptability, illustrating the fluidity of both water and human experience.
• 😀 Women, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, especially in marginalized communities.
• 😀 Many of those most affected by the pandemic are Black, Indigenous, and women of color, who were already more likely to live in poverty.
• 😀 Job losses have been significant for these communities, deepening economic hardship.
• 😀 The pandemic has caused increased isolation for many, and in some cases, danger, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
• 😀 The issue of missing sisters is highlighted, pointing to ongoing violence against marginalized women and gender-diverse people.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, these communities continue to lead and advocate for change.
• 😀 Justice has been slow to materialize, which has led these groups to define justice on their own terms, focusing on community empowerment.
• 😀 There is a vision for a decolonized future where power is shared more equitably and there is freedom from violence.
• 😀 The comparison to smoke and water emphasizes the resilience and power of these communities, who cannot be easily contained or silenced.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by 'the river I step in is not the river I stand in'?

This phrase likely symbolizes the idea that things are always changing, much like water. It suggests the fluidity and constant movement of life, identity, and experiences.

How does the speaker relate water to people's experiences?

The speaker compares water to people's resilience and adaptability, emphasizing how both are fluid, constantly changing, and powerful in the face of adversity.

What groups does the speaker mention as being most affected by the pandemic?

The speaker highlights that women, two-spirit individuals, and gender-diverse people have been hit hardest by the pandemic, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, and women of color.

What does the speaker say about the economic impact of the pandemic on these groups?

The speaker notes that these marginalized groups were already more likely to live in poverty and have faced job losses during the pandemic, exacerbating their economic struggles.

How has the pandemic affected people's homes, according to the speaker?

The speaker explains that the pandemic has made people's homes more isolated, and for some, even dangerous, suggesting a worsening of living conditions during this time.

What does the speaker mean by 'danger is not new'?

This statement reflects the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly women and Indigenous people, who have always been vulnerable to violence and injustice, even before the pandemic.

What does the speaker mean by 'our sisters are missing'?

This refers to the disproportionate number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, a long-standing issue in many communities that has been further highlighted by the pandemic.

Why does the speaker say, 'this is why we lead'?

The speaker suggests that due to the lack of attention and justice for marginalized communities, they are stepping forward to lead and advocate for change, emphasizing their strength and resilience.

What vision does the speaker have for the future?

The speaker envisions a decolonized future where power is shared equitably, and communities are free from violence, implying a future of justice, equality, and healing.

How does the speaker describe the strength of marginalized communities?

The speaker compares marginalized communities to smoke and water, both hard to contain and powerful, emphasizing their resilience and ability to withstand adversity.