32 P.E.I. organizations receiving funding to support diversity and inclusion projects

Prince Edward Island's provincial flag flies in Ottawa, Monday, July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The government of Prince Edward Island announced it will be providing funding to 32 local community organizations to support diversity and inclusion projects across the province.

The Women’s Network PEI is one of the organizations receiving funding through the Gender, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (GEDI) and Community Engagement Program.

“Women’s Network PEI is excited to learn that our project ‘Community Strength and Safety – Inclusive Self Defense Training’ will be funded through a government grant! This project is about access, safety, and empowerment,” said Rachael Crowder, interim executive director Women’s Network PEI in a news release. “By offering self-defence training in culturally safe and gender-affirming spaces, we are centring communities who are often excluded from these opportunities and helping participants feel more confident.”

Since the program launched in 2022, the province says a total of $2.4 million has been distributed to over 56 local organizations for 82 projects.

According to the release, the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat also contributed $150,000 towards the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence’s annual $600,000 fund which is focused on advancing gender-based violence prevention efforts.

“Preventing gender-based violence starts with strong, inclusive communities,” said Rechie Valdez, minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State in the release. “Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, the federal government is advancing equity and inclusion, building safer communities, and contributing to a stronger economy across the country. In Prince Edward Island, this funding is strengthening the capacity of community organizations to deliver prevention-focused, community-led initiatives.”

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