UN CSW70 – Parallel Event

Ensuring Access to Justice and Ending GBV in Canada

This event was a parallel session organized by the Canadian Beijing+30 Network as part of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). This panel discussion focused on access to justice and systemic barriers faced by women and gender-diverse individuals in Canada. Panelists Emilie Coyle, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Candice Shaw, Executive Director of the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada, and Sharon DeSousa, the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, shared their perspectives on the challenges in their respective fields. 

The discussion highlighted key obstacles such as the carceral response to gender-based violence, underfunding of services, systemic biases in the justice system, and the lack of resources for survivors. Panelists also discussed their organization’s approaches to advocacy, including systemic reform efforts, community engagement, and supporting survivors through direct services and policy change. The conversation emphasized the need for increased funding, trauma-informed care, and a shift toward restorative justice approaches to address the systemic issues preventing full access to justice for marginalized communities.