WUNRN
Canada - FemNorthNet - Northern
Women's Economic, Social & Cultural Issues - Research +
New
economic development in northern Canada is changing communities socially,
economically, and culturally. FemNorthNet (or the
Feminist Northern Network) wants to know the downside of ‘up’ that cannot be
ignored. This project is housed at the Canadian Research Institute for the
Advancement of Women (CRIAW).
How do these economic developments affect women in Northern communities?
What can women do to bring positive change to their Northern communities?
FemNorthNet works with and in three Northern communities: Thompson, Manitoba, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador and Labrador West, Newfoundland and Labrador.
FemNorthNet is a network of researchers within and outside of universities and colleges together with representatives of community–based organizations, in northern Canada as well as working across Canada.
Using an intersectional gendered analysis and participatory action research, FemNorthNet focuses on sustainable economic development in the North by exploring similarities and differences among and between different groups of women. These include Aboriginal women in the North, women with disabilities, immigrant women, women with children, women of various ages and women from different language groups.
By studying these timely issues through perspectives that are often overlooked, FemNorthNet is poised to provoke broader discussions on economic restructuring and healthy communities. Tough questions about community infrastructure and social issues like poverty, violence, and housing have to be asked. And answers must include and involve women.
This
research is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research
Council through its Northern Communities Special Call CURA Program.
Support is also provided through the Status of WomenCanada Blueprint Project Funding (2011-2013) focussing on Encouraging women's leadership and democratic participation.