Issue #21 The Women's Press

The Women’s Press Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • Published by the Immigrant Women’s Centre

Family battles to stay together “I am worried that this would leave a lasting scar on my children. We’ve always kept together as a family.”

- Ian Wilkie

WOMEN’S PRESS [Left] Yusuf, Zaynab and Fatima rallied in front of Hamilton’s Bay St. N. Federal building to push for the release of their mother, Wafaa Abdou.

Abdou has been held in detention since January.

Hamilton native Ian Wilkie did not expect to face such resistance keeping his family together in Canada, his home country. Father to three children, ages six to 11, Wilkie is facing an uphill legal battle as he fights for his Egyptian wife Wafaa Abdou to be released from immigration detention.

Wilkie met Abdou when he was working as an English teacher at an American language centre in Egypt; she was his next-door neighbour. They eventually were married in 2001 and settled down in Damascus, the capital

of Syria. Civil unrest in Syria propelled him to leave the country and his job.

As the situation became more violent, Wilkie brought Abdou and his children back to Canada.

Returning home after living 17 years in the Middle East, Wilkie went to the local Citizenship and Immigration Canada office, intending to file for an application to sponsor his wife and family.

During the visit, he said he was informed he had insufficient funds to do so, and instead, that his wife was encouraged to apply for refugee status.

“It has been a nightmare process ever since.”

IN THIS ISSUE:

P2

P3

Asylum No More Mexican refugee claimants at loss to immigration changes

Celebrating Difference Youth poets find outlet for expression at Hamilton Youth Poetry Slam

English FOR

Work FOR CANADIAN LANGUAGE BENCHMARK 4 OR HIGHER

Abdou followed the recommendation, which was a decision the couple would soon regret.

“It has been a nightmare process ever since,” exclaimed Wilkie.

Routine appointments with immigration officials are a standard procedure for refugee claimants.

However, on Jan. 14 in Mississauga, it was revealed that Abdou’s refugee claim was rejected.

As they were leaving the

appointment, three men with guns stopped them, said Wilkie.

“One of them put his hand on the gun and said, ‘Don’t make me use force,’” recalled Wilkie. Abdou was declared a “flight risk” two days later.

Officials believed she was at risk of fleeing with her children to escape deportation.

Abdou was taken into custody at the Mississauga facility, where she continued to be interrogated.

- Continued on page 5 -

“One of them put his hand on the gun and said ‘Don’t make me use force.”

P6 Seeking Sanctuary Children build self-esteem and cooperation at ‘KidsAbility’ program

P7 Spike My Bike Creative and practical, youth at RE-create studio turn bicycles into art with spraypaint and flair

Do you want to gain confidence in listening and oral communication?

SIGN UP TODAY! Call 905-529-5209 for more information.

Do you want to improve your interpersonal and problem solving skills for employment? www.IWCHamilton.ca

LINC for Work is an employment simulation program that will prepare you to enter the labour market.

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.2

Letter from the Editor Our children and youth are the leaders of tomorrow. Hamilton is well underway in shaping its future generations to be strong figures in the community.

Local initiatives such as the Youth Poetry Slam and Bike Art Crawl speak to the creative energy that Hamilton embodies.

We are also pleased to showcase some local agencies, including the Immigrant Women’s Centre’s Montcalm Community House, which have each established innovative programs to cultivate diversity and inclusion among young populations.

Yet, it also takes change in the system for Hamilton to become the best place to raise a child. In this issue, we discuss the challenges confronting immigrant parents of today. From a family fighting the immigration system to stay together to observations on family acculturation and integration, these stories serve as a statement of the complex society we are living in today rather than one we should aspire to build.

We must think globally to act locally, so we continue to address the barriers facing immigrants in light of recent additions to Canada’s designated countries of origin list. You will also read firsthand accounts of integration as presented through photography and through storytelling.

Let us continue working together to create a better Hamilton for our children of today and tomorrow.

Cheers to Hamilton, Ines Rios, Executive Director Immigrant Women’s Centre 8 Main Street East, Suite 101 Hamilton, ON (905) 529-5209 Please send feedback, press releases and submissions to: Alyssa Lai at alai@IWCHamilton.ca WomensPressIWC.ca

The Women’s Press ‘THE DRUG CARTELS WANTED TO KILL MY BROTHER’

JESUS VILLASECA PEREZ

More barriers for Mexican asylum seekers

By Felicia Rahaman In light of recent changes in Canada’s immigration policy, refugee claimants from Mexico will now encounter more difficulties obtaining refugee status to stay in the country. In February, Canada’s Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced that Mexico had been added to the designated countries of origin list, which created a two-tier system for refugee claimants.

Minister Kenney has stated that this change is necessary in order to be able to process “genuine” refugee claims at a faster pace. Yet labeling Mexico a “safe country” has raised concerns among many individuals, primarily due to the widespread violence and drug-related organized crime jeopardizing public safety across the country.

Linda A. Mendoza, an English student at the Immigrant Women’s Centre (IWC), knows firsthand about these difficulties as she seeks refuge from Mexico’s unsafe situation.

Mendoza‘s husband was taken hostage with a ransom demanded for his safe return. “They took my husband, kept him for days. They demanded

Women’s Press Issue 21 May/June 2013 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Alyssa Lai, Erica Greaves, Felicia Rahaman, Laura Hochman, Marni Wolf, Michelle Drew

money and my mother-in-law had to pay,” Mendoza explained.

After Mendoza’s husband was returned safely, the two came to Canada in 2006 and applied for refugee status. Their claim was not approved, however, and in 2008 they applied to stay in Canada under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

“They took my husband, kept him for days. They demanded money and my mother-inlaw had to pay.”

“We were supposed to leave Canada on Jan. 10 and we were told one day before that that our form for the humanitarian and compassionate appeal was accepted,” recalled Mendoza.

The Women’s Press

The family of Zully P. Gonzalez, another English student at the IWC, also struggled to stay in Canada. “The drug cartels wanted to kill my brother and my sister-in-law,” explained Gonzalez, who came to Hamilton in 2006 seeking asylum. Her brother was a soldier in Mexico who fought against drug-related crime and drug cartels.

Because of death threats from cartel members, her brother and sister-inlaw moved to Canada in 2010 seeking asylum. But their claim was denied and they were deported to Mexico that same year. “They have to move, they have to change cities because the drug cartels are looking for them,” she said.

With the addition of Mexico to Canada’s designated countries of origin list cases like Mendoza’s will lead to grim endings. Refugee applicants from Mexico are now unable to appeal their claims on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, which allowed her to stay in Canada.

“I don’t know why Canada says Mexico is a safe country. If you watch the news, you see that everyday something happens in Mexico,” she said. 

R E A D S TOR I E S. SHARE KNOWLEDGE. TRANSFORM OUR COMMUNITY.

WomensPressIWC.ca

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Alyssa Lai, Marni Wolf, Michelle Drew EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ines Rios

Founded in 1988, the Immigrant Women’s Centre is an equality seeking, anti-racist, charitable organization dedicated to the social, political and economic inclusion of refugees and immigrants.

MANAGING EDITOR: Michelle Drew COPY EDITORS: Alyssa Lai, Erica Greaves, Evelyna Kay, Jemma Wolfe, Jenna Owsianik

Visit our website today!

STORIES, WEB EXCLUSIVES, PHOTO GALLERIES, RESOURCES DOWNLOADS, ISSUE ARCHIVES & MORE.

The Women’s Press

SLAM

By Erica Greaves

The youth that participate in the Hamilton Youth Poetry Slam are courageous, passionate, inspiring, funny, political and always evolving, said organizer, Nea Reid.

The Hamilton Youth Poetry Slam is a competition where young poets perform their work on stage and have them scored by judges. The slam provides a platform for issues to be spoken about with a much larger voice than they would in another outlet.

Reid’s understanding of the importance of youth poetry extends to her past experiences. When her daughter was assaulted in high school, Reid confronted obstacles on her quest for justice. After navigating school

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.3

WOMEN’S PRESS

THE FACE OF HAMILTON’S YOUTH POETRY SCENE

bureaucracy, she grew frustrated with the lack of discussion centred around the celebratation of difference.

Poetry slams take place on the third Tuesday of every month at Hamilton’s Lyric Theatre. An open mic, workshop, slam and featured poet are all part of the event, attended by youth up to 22 years old.

“The poetry slams cancel silence,” said Reid. “It is a healing way to speak about things because writing is part of your heart.”

“Seeing youth advocate really brings together the community,” she continued.

Also described as competitive, the slams are ultimately meant for personal and spiritual growth.

Seeing the vision realized is a rewarding aspect of Reid’s work, but the most inspiration moments are witnessing the courage of first time slammers presenting.

Even people from Ottawa come

“The story is already happening around you: Write it!” for the Hamilton Youth Poetry Slams, which is encouraging and inspiring on its own. Youth supporting each other and surrounding one another with love though, is what stood out to Reid.

As for deciding subject matter, Reid offered some advice. “Thinking the work is about you is the worst mistake

you can make,” she said. “The story is already happening around you: write it!”

Poetry works best when one tells a story that’s right in front of their nose: what is real to them. Those are the most truthful stories, she added. Of course, it is not her job to ask for what she wants to see from the youth. Her only job is to put up the microphone and provide the opportunity.

“Most people would rather die than speak in public, but if you can do that, then you can do anything,” she said.

“Maybe slam is the way to start fighting discrimination,” she suggested.

After all, poetry celebrates the voice of difference, and gives it a microphone. 

‘For youth by youth’ centre offers belonging

By Felicia Rahaman When Elena Karatza immigrated to Canada from Greece two years ago, she was seeking ways to connect with the community. A few months later, a friend brought her to the New Generation Youth Centre (NGen) for a spoken word event called “Does My Voice Even Matter?” The event shared stories of local diverse youth: a message she could relate to.

“Voices that are not from here, I don’t think are listened to,” she said, referencing her experience as a newcomer. But at NGen, she found a community that she could contribute to and share her concerns with.

Formerly called the Globe, NGen remains an active hub for youth. Located at 24 Main St. W., the centre initially closed in 2010 with the collapse of the newcomer services agency, Settlement and Integration Services Organization, but was revived in 2011 by a team of

youth organizers with support from Centenary United Church, where the centre is housed.

NGen’s unique “for youth by youth” structure means that the youth themselves have a say in how the centre is run and what activities should be offered.

Youth come together to discuss issues that are important to them, and have their voices heard in a space where they are valued. Homework assistance, movie nights and English practice are among the various programs and activities offered.

For Karatza, this meant a space where she was able to improve her English, get help writing cover letters

and résumés, find out about immigrant services in the community and socialize with other youth from the area.

Janada Mwanga, who emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo a year ago, also found its services indispensable.

Like Karatza, she realized that being involved in NGen’s activities has allowed her to practice and improve her English.

Mwanga found that the biggest barrier she had to overcome after moving to Hamilton was language. It was not easy to interact with others at school because it was difficult to listen and put together a response at the same time.

“NGen is a great place to access resources and affordable activities,”

“But at NGen, she found a community that she could contribute to and share her concerns with.”

said Karatza. “There are a lot of opportunities here for people. People can also just come here and talk; it’s like a family.” She now serves as a volunteer and member of NGen’s Youth Action Council, a committee of ten youth members, who meet to discuss current youth issues and make decisions regarding the centre’s programming and management.

NGen prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming space for newcomer youth, as it offers a safe place to freely socialize with like-minded individuals with shared newcomer experiences. 

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FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS • Why do Karatza and Mwanga enjoy coming to the NGen Youth Centre?

• What youth could you recommend this centre to?

Women in Hamilton, Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.4 Issue 16 • May & June 2012 • p.4

The Women’s Press

‘On the Move’ at Boys and Girls Clubs

FOSTER PARENT SHORTAGE

SUBMITTED PHOTO

MARNI WOLF

By Marni Wolf An average of 15 newcomer girls gather at Lake Avenue Public School on a weekly basis; ready to get active for On The Move. Held across the city, the program is offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton with three streams — fit, sport and newcomers — all geared toward adolescent girls.

At Lake Avenue, the is specifically designed for newcomer girls. It serves as a convenient recreational activity for students who attend the elementary school as well as for kids who live in the area.

An energetic duo, Samantha Haack and Micayla Drysdale have been facilitating the program for two years “I run a lot of different girl programs, but I would say these girls by far have the most energy,” Haack said. “They are just so excited and so appreciative of what we do, which is incredible because usually we don’t get that.”

Each week the program incorporates physical activity to get the girls moving after a long day of sitting in classes. Half an hour is devoted to workshops on topics such as healthy relationships and healthy eating. There’s also some down time so the girls can talk about their day with each other in their first language.

Baneen Abdulraheem, an 11-yearold girl from Iraq, attends the program with her sister every week. “I mostly like all of the movement stuff, like when we race and play soccer or when we get to make up our own games. Sometimes we talk about respect, too, while we

have our snacks,” she exclaimed.

The group will often go on trips together such as swimming at a local pool as a way to encourage the girls to become more engaged with the community.

“We usually do bring a friend day,” Haack said, describing it as a way of inviting more youth to the activities.

“So they bring a friend in. Even if they’re not in the program, they come and spend the day with us and if they like it they can join for the year.”

In the fall, the Boys and Girls Clubs will be implementing a formal mentorship program, encouraging pride and knowledge through peer interactions.

Together with a group of female athletes from McMaster University, a selection of On The Move participants will have the opportunity to join small mentoring groups. Rather than pairing the girls individually, two athletes and three to five adolescent girls will form groups to encourage friendships amongst their peers and across age groups.

As an extension of On The Move, the mentorship program will serve as an accepting space where immigrant youth will be comfortable to assert their own cultural identities.

The Boys and Girls Clubs has yet to determine which girls will be pairing with McMaster athletes for the mentorship program. What is clear, however, is that the club is taking one step in the right direction to promote diversity and inclusion amongst newcomer youth. 

“They are just so excited, and so appreciative of what we do, which is incredible, because usually we don’t get that.”

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FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS • Why do you think programs for women and girls only are beneficial?

• What should the new mentorship program include?

By Felicia Rahaman and Megan Dunlop-Elms Hamilton is currently facing a critical shortage of foster parents for infants and adolescents. While there are more than 800 children currently in the care of the Children’s Aid Society and Catholic Children’s Aid Society, there are only 270 foster homes available.

“We’re looking for families, good families who want children to be part of their lives” said Rachel Threlkeld of the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton.

Both agencies are working to find temporary homes for children with foster families.

Children may not be able to live with their biological families for a variety of reasons such as parental neglect or illness. Yet they still need a safe and caring home.

Foster families provide daily care for newborn children up to 18 year olds on a temporary basis. A child may live with a foster family for weeks, months or years before moving back in with their biological family or to an adoptive family.

“Fostering brings caring and

compassionate people and the children who need them together,” said Ersilia DiNardo, executive director of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. “Many foster parents continue to foster for years and can tell of the child who impacted their lives and the lives of their children,” she added.

Foster families come from different backgrounds and it is important that they reflect the diversity of the Hamilton community. Some foster parents are married while some are single. Others have their own children while others do not. Foster parents can work outside the home, be stay at home parents or retirees. Foster families also vary in their ethnicity and income levels.

Regardless, the one thing they all have in common is the desire to make a difference.

“Fostering is a rewarding experience, a chance to make a difference to one child at a time,” Dinardo said. “We need more extraordinary people to consider becoming foster parents, to be a safe harbour to children in need for a short time or the family that they desperately need for a long time.” 

“Fostering is a rewarding experience, a chance to make a difference to one child at a time.”

What’s required to be a foster family?

Interested?

- A working knowledge of English - Bedroom space [Two children may share a 10’ x10’ room] - Successful completion of a fostering training program and home study

Attend a Foster Parent Information Night. For more information call: Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton at 905-525-CARE (2273) or Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton at 905-546-KIDS (5437).

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FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS • What types of people and families can become a foster parents?

• Would you ever be interested in becoming a foster parent? Why or why not?

The Women’s Press

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013• p.5

‘Re-unite the Wilkie family’

SUBMITTED PHOTO [Left] Ian Wilkie lives in fear of his wife’s looming deportation.

WOMEN’S PRESS

- Continued from page 1 -

The process was demeaning, said Wilkie. Abdou told her husband that her head coverings were removed and she was strip-searched and photographed in cubicles at all angles.

Pressured by the officials, Abdou signed a document agreeing to be deported on Feb. 15. Otherwise, she was told, her children would be put into foster care.

However, local MP David Christopherson and his staff intervened.

They discovered the paperwork filled out by officials was incomplete and therefore her initial deportation date was invalid.

The staff requested that Minister Kenney allow Abdou to stay and to be provided with a temporary residence permit. A new deportation date was set for April 27, which was also the day Yusuf, the family’s only son, turned 9.

Although the attempt to deport Abdou was initially stalled, Wilkie continued to draw attention to the

[Above] Mother of three Canadian children, Wafaa Abdou fights to remain with her family.

unjust immigration system. A protest to Canadian immigration policy,” said and advice from counsel who knows all for Abdou’s release was held on Wilkie. the facts,” he wrote in an email.

International Women’s Day on March “I think women are the softest “If someone chooses the wrong option 8 in front of the local Citizenship and target in this kind of situations. They — for example, a non-refugee making Immigration office at Bay Street North. [immigration officials] used my children a refugee claim — it is very difficult to Between 50 to 60 people attended and as leverage to pressure her,” he added. undo the consequences of that choice about 100 people also rallied in support If anything, Wilkie’s story shows later on,” he said. Norquay advises of the Wilkie family on April 19. how important it is to obtain legal applicants seek independent advice The Hamilton and District from legal counsel to complete their Labour Council also stepped applications following “I think women are the softest immigration forward to assist. They requested the proper procedures. target in this kind of situations.

Jason Kenney, the Minister of For Wilkie, this mistake has a Citizenship, Immigration and heavy price to pay. It was a painful They [immigration officials] Multiculturalism, to release moment as the children said used my children as leverage to Abdou from detention, stop her goodbye to their mother through deportation on April 27 and grant a glass barrier at the Mississauga pressure her.” her temporary residence status on detention centre the Friday before humanitarian and compassionate she boarded the plane to Cairo on grounds. advice before starting an application April 27.

“The best solution to the problem for immigration, said John Norquay, “I am worried that this would live is to shine a light on that problem,” an immigrant and refugee lawyer in a lasting scar on my children. We’ve insisted Wilkie, describing the decision Toronto. “The reality is that Canada’s always kept together as a family.” to organize a rally on behalf of his wife. immigration system is not friendly  Alyssa Lai, Women’s Press.

“There’s this growing outcry and or straightforward…Navigating it Visit the Re-unite Wilkie Family page on anger of these recent changes requires very thoughtful planning Facebook for updates.

Community members rally together in support of the Wilkie family at the Citizenship and Immigration Office at 55 Bay St. N. on April 19.

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.6

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‘KidsAbility’ crafts safe space for learning

PHOTOS BY MARNI WOLF [Above, left] Neighbourhood children gather at the Montcalm Community House for KidsAbility, an after-school program promoting self-esteem development and healthy relationships.

[Far left bottom] Simon DeAbreu, one of three program facilitators, outlines the day’s lesson on the community house blackboard.

By Marni Wolf We all know that growing up isn’t easy. But growing up between cultures presents a distinct set of challenges.

Kids want desperately to fit in with their classmates, while parents often expect them to retain family traditions.

Although Canada promotes itself as being a multicultural country, everyday realities and experiences of newcomer and second-generation youth prove otherwise. As a result, kids often struggle as they navigate their way through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.

A young group of children who attend KidsAbility, an after-school program in the Montcalm neighbourhood, have created a space where they are able to embrace the diversity surrounding them in their everyday lives. Simon DeAbreu is one of three program facilitators who meets with children twice a week at the Montcalm Community House in Hamilton’s Rolston neighbourhood.

“They have this game where all the kids race to see who can get here first,” DeAbreu said, as children came running into the community house, stumbling in one after the other.

About 15 kids from ages five to 13 attend the program weekly, coming from three schools in the area. They participate in crafting, journaling, theatre performance and storytelling.

But KidsAbility is much more than a basic after-school program. DeAbreu, along with co-facilitators Melanie Skene and Morena Zaldana, has created a safe space where the children — some of whose parents are from countries such as Ghana, Jamaica, Iraq and Somalia — can embrace their ethnic heritage and openly discuss their differences. As they politely shared markers and shrieked about their newest report card, it is obvious that the kids have developed close friendships.

“...everyone comes together and they share the same air, the same food and the same space.”

The room is adorned with children’s artwork spilling into the hallway. “We try to bring up big topics at the beginning of each session, like violence or self-esteem, and then have the kids reference these things in our ongoing conversations,”

said DeAbreu. Today, the chalkboard is ornately decorated with drawings and words which relate to the day’s theme: love and respect.

While Skene helped the kids make tree decorations out of their handprints, Zaldana prepared a snack. Although there is always a long list of activities planned for each session, many of the decisions are made by the kids themselves, allowing them to choose how they spend their time together.

Raneen, an eight-year-old from Iraq, showed the inner pages of her journal.

She smiled as she displayed her colourful drawings and stopped at the last page.

“This one is a drawing about values,” she proudly exclaimed.

Mha, at the other end of the room, showed off her spelling test from school.

“Look, I got 11 out of 10!” she yelled to DeAbreu. He asked her what was her favourite word to spell and the rest of the room chimed in enthusiastically with their own suggestions.

But it’s not always easy at the Montcalm Community House. DeAbreu admitted that arguments often arise between certain kids in the group.

“You wonder, OK, who are the kids being shunned and why is that? It’s the cultural differences...but in the end, everyone comes together and they share the same air, the same food and the same space.” 

MPP Hamilton Centre 20 Hughson St., S., Suite 200, Hamilton ON L8N 2A1 Tel: 905-544-9644 Fax: 905-544-5152 ahorwath-co@ndp.on.ca

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Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.7

RE-CREATE

WOMEN’S PRESS Tany [above] and Jasmine [right] spray paint their bicycles for the “Spike My Bike” event that took place during April’s Art Crawl, as organized by RE-create.

Art studio offers creative space for youth

By Erica Greaves and Michelle Drew Tany has been attending RE-create for almost a year. At the open studio space for youth on Hamilton’s James Street North, her Monday and Thursday afternoons are spent painting, drawing and exploring various art mediums.

This spring, she and 14 other youth who frequent the studio fixed up and decorated bicycles for their April showcase, “Spike My Bike.” The event featured 12 art bicycles.

“I like that we can come here and pick up whatever materials we want,” said Tany, who has made everything from a canvas painting to an eight-inch glue sculpture, and now a black and gold pirate-themed bicycle.

Founded by art therapist Betty Brouwer four years ago, RE-create has become a key outlet for youth in Hamilton offering a variety of art programming each week. In partnership with Urban Arts Initiative, RE-create

aims to be a place where street-involved youth can begin to connect with their peers and community through creative arts while gaining valuable life skills.

Dedicated to changing the lives of street-involved youth, RE-create is building partnerships within the community, government, local area churches, schools, local business and individuals to facilitate social change. The program is part of the Shalem Mental Health Network.

“One of the most significant opportunities that we offer youth is the chance to express themselves,” said Meghan Hers, studio coordinator at RE-create. Hers stressed that they provide youth with a nonlinear way of thinking along with the opportunity to explore many different areas for expression.

Tany couldn’t agree more. “I learned how to actually get out there and connect with people…It impacted my

“One of the most significant opportunities that we offer youth is the chance to express themselves.”

life in a good way; it has helped me to through get let out. I learn about myself, be more bold and more adventurous,” to appreciate things more.” she said.

Improving mental health and David, 20, who has been attending creating a sense of belonging for RE-create since it was founded shared youth are two of RE-create’s primary his perspective as well. “Art helps goals. Along with that, the program connect really well. You get to meet strengthens the youths’ social abilities, different people who are also interested. helping to improve their emotional It helps me express state of being and who I am to other ability to express “Art helps connect their people,” he added. themselves freely and Besides the really well – you get openly. tangible benefits “Through this to meet different of RE-create, the program, I learned program has proven people who are also how to cooperate with to help youth others in a group,” said interested. It helps David. emotionally through its focus on selfCaroline agreed, “I me express who I discovery.

Being like how you can make s t r e e t - i n v o l v e d am to other people.” anything you want and can make you feel express yourself in any lost, hopeless and way, and everyone is so detached from the community. Through supportive of it… Before I came here I their involvement with RE-create, youth didn’t know I could paint or draw. Once feel more comfortable as the studio I came here I realized I’m pretty good at seeks to provide a non-judgmental them.”  space for them. It is a safe environment in every sense of the word.

For more information visit RE-create “I’ve been through a lot,” said online at shalemnetwork.org/support20-year-old Caroline. “It helps my programs/re-create or visit their Facebook emotions and all the things I’ve been page, ‘RE-create Studio’.

Twelve bicycles, decorated and refurbished by youth, were displayed at RE-create. Bicycles varied in theme and colour, all reflective of the artists themselves.

WOMEN’S PRESS PHOTOS

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 11 •• May May && June June 2013 2011 •• p.8 p.8 Issue

The Women’s Press

Q & A with Bharati Sethi

Aligned with Bharati Sethi’s research interest, a group of Somali women participated in a Photovoice project at the Immigrant Women’s Centre in 2011 where they used photography to share their stories of settling in a new country. The photographs were displayed in the community to raise awareness about the experiences of newcomer women.

Originally from Mumbai, Bharati Sethi is now a PhD candidate in Wilfred Laurier University’s Faculty of Social Work. She draws on her personal experiences to study immigrant women and mental health as she completes a communitybased study using photography to document experiences of newcomer women.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Marni Wolf Can you speak a little bit about your experience of immigrating to Canada?

Bharti Sethi: I came alone in an emergency situation. I had just turned 19. I came to Montreal and it was quite tough. It was very cold and I was on a student visa for hospitality management. That was the only way for me to come here. Then the government gave me two months to get a job or leave the country, so that’s how I landed in Brantford.

What was it like as a newcomer?

Sethi: It was quite brutal until I got my immigration status. I was working at the YMCA at that time and they had what’s called an education scholarship, $1,500 each year. I got it for three consecutive years. And then I went back to school doing one course at a time and I got my credits for the science courses that I did back in India. People don’t realize how the immigrant status really, really affects you. And I was very young and I didn’t have a family. I didn’t have money.

It seems you always had dreams to go back to school. How were you treated by employers here in Canada with such big aspirations?

Sethi: They used to laugh at me actually. I wrote a paper recently called “From a Maid to a Researcher: A Story of Humility.” In that I talk about when I was working to make ends meet, cleaning houses, working as a waitress, all that sort of stuff.

Can you speak a bit about your experience as a student? How/why do you think you were successful?

Sethi: English is my third language.

Plus the whole culture of the university

is quite different from India. So I had to really work hard. Because I’ve had scholarships a lot of people think, “Oh you’re so lucky.” Sometimes I want to kill them when they say that! (laughs).

I’m like, come on, give me a break. You have no idea what it took me to get here. It’s not luck. You really have to work hard.

All I knew was if I stopped working for sure I wouldn’t reach my goal. But I had to keep working and keep believing in my dream.

Can you speak a bit about your work now as a PhD Student?

Sethi: Mine is a 200-person community-based study. It came from my master in social work study, which came from my undergraduate study, and that’s a really important part.

In using Photovoice methodology, women are given the cameras to record their own experiences. I’m asking how the employment circumstances of these minority women impacts their health and well-being. I’m interested in local problems with local solutions. The most important thing that we keep missing is the link between immigration policy and practice. We have to really recognize the migrational women and how it’s impacting Canada.

What would your advice be to other immigrant women today?

Sethi: I think that they should really write down or focus on what they want — don’t take into account how old they are. You really need to take care of yourself and really believe in your goals.

It’s not a very easy process, but there is a lot of info available now. Sometimes you have to be really assertive to get that information. We just have to believe and keep working. 

“You really need to take care of yourself and really believe in your goals.”

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FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS • How was Sethi treated my employers when she came to Canada?

• How can photography be used for sharing the experiences of newcomer women?

DEQA, IWC PHOTOVOICE PARTICIPANT “When I PHONE my family in Somalia they think that I have EVERYTHING in Canada: a mansion, lots of money and whatever I need. They don’t believe that its HARD here.” – Nima “Everyone who comes to Canada has DREAMS. My dream was for a big HOUSE for my children, but I am LUCKY for a two-bedroom place. I was surprised when I saw homeless people sleeping outside. It’s not what I expected.” - Deqa

HADRA & HADSEN, IWC PHOTOVOICE PARTICIPANTS “Some newcomers and refugees do not know how to READ or write in their OWN languages. It is very hard for people who come from a country and do not SPEAK any English or French. Without LINC classes some newcomers would not have any EDUCATION. Even though these books help kids to read, they also help ADULTS who are learning to read.” – Hadra & Hadsen

The Women’s Press

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.9

Where are the voices of immigrant women?

McMaster social work professor Mirna Carranza speaks about her experience and research.

By Alyssa Lai

Mirna Carranza, a McMaster University social work professor, believes the stories and experiences of immigrants are not represented adequately in Canadian culture and society.

WOMEN’S PRESS

Canada’s immigration level has increased in recent years. Citizenship and Immigration Canada reported that 257,515 newcomers entered Canada in 2012, which is a jump from the previous year’s total of 248,751.

Yet, for McMaster University social work professor Mirna Carranza, this slight spike in numbers does little to highlight the actual stories and experiences of immigrants. At a community level, she believes the voices of immigrant women are not heard or presented.

Rather, Carranza thinks immigrants are misunderstood and regarded as “burdens” to the system.

“How come the resiliency of immigrant women (and people) are not presented in Canadian literature?” she asked.

That question guided her to begin research on immigrants and refugee families more than 15 years ago.

Originally from El Salvador, Carranza came to Canada with her partner, sister, brother and child when she was only 25 years old. She escaped from the country that was facing political turmoil and civil war.

Being an immigrant woman herself, Carranza understands how trauma and depression faced by immigrants in their settlement country are inextricably linked to countries at war. Her previous experience as a social worker in El Salvador has further informed her understanding of displacement felt by refugees. She learned that the settlement challenges immigrants are facing have deep roots; however, this is hardly highlighted in literature.

“The depression was linked to the torture they had endured. The narratives from the women (are about) how doctors were pushing pills and medication and they did not want to do that,” she said. “They wanted to heal differently according to the tradition.”

That led her to research families and how they try to integrate into new societies, specifically as a family unit. But as she explored the topic of acculturation, Carranza discovered a gap. According to Carranza, little has been said about acculturation happening at a family level.

Immigrants encounter challenges when integrating into a new culture that often relate to their country of origin, the professor explained.

An immigrant from Central America is more likely to face not only systemic, but language barriers as well, particularly when compared to a newcomer from Europe. Each person and family is unique, she said.

While there must be increased resources and services to support the immigrant population, meaningful employment is also necessary. A rise in the number of employed immigrants does not translate to better futures for them, Carranza added.

“Their job is not meaningful. You have a nurse. In her country of origin, she is a practicing nurse. But here, she is sweeping floors,” she said, emphasizing the need for more meaningful employment, not just employment for survival.

“That (meaningful employment) has an impact on mental health, their sense of identity,” she said. 

“At a community level, the voices of immigrant women are not heard or presented.”

Definition of ACCULTURATION : cultural modification of an individual, group or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture; also : a merging of cultures as a result of prolonged contact

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Definition of RESILIENCY : an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS What did Carranza’s experience as a social worker help her understand about refugees?

Discussion: How could the stories of immigrants be more represented in Canadian culture?

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.10

The Women’s Press

ONES TO WATCH FOR

Books & movies with a social justice and/or women focus

MOVIE: No Way! Not Me Review by: Felicia Rahaman | Directed by: Ariadna Ochrymovych (1987)

BOOK: Hush Review by: Laura Hochman | Author: Eishes Chayil

Through history, stories and statistics, this documentary explores reasons why the majority of those living in poverty are women.

“No Way! Not Me” is a documentary that draws attention to the high number of women living in poverty. Although the film was released more than 25 years ago, many of the issues it discusses are still relevant to Canadian society. The movie documents a lecture given to high school youth in Toronto by Rosemary Brown, a social activist and educator. The film looks at women’s participation in the workforce, family responsibilities, education and the messages our culture gives to young women.

They are all factors that explain why more women find themselves living in poverty.

The documentary begins by giving a short history of women’s entrance into the workforce. While this inclusion gives women a small measure of financial independence, it is also clear that women are taken advantage of with unfair wages and poor working conditions. This means that men were (and are still) working the highest paid jobs. As a result, more women are represented as sole supporters, living without male partners in poverty. Single women, widows, single mothers and divorced women are all more likely to be living in poverty than women married to men.

“No Way! Not Me” also points out that women are deemed responsible for raising children, cooking and housecleaning, making it difficult for them to manage full-time jobs. When women are raising children on their own, it is even more challenging to manage their family and employment responsibilities.

In the film, Brown directs her message to women.

She says that in order to reduce the likelihood of living in poverty women should complete their education, keep fighting for equal pay and negotiate with their partners to share the responsibilities of childcare and household chores.

Even after more than two decades since the film was released, Brown’s advice to high school students still applies.

Women still make up the majority of those living in poverty today; most of them are single mothers struggling to raise a family while balancing employment. It is clear that more work needs to be done to reduce the disproportionate amount of women living in poverty.

“Even after more than two decades since the film was released, the advice that Rosemary Brown gave the high school students still applies.”

 Watch film for free at: www.nfb.ca/ film/no_way_not_me

Share your thoughts!

Do you have a BOOK or FILM you would like to write about for the Women’s Press?

Submit your IDEA or WRITING to alai@IWCHamilton.ca.

In this engaging narrative, Eishes Chayil’s Hush dissects a community’s response to sexual violence through the eyes of a child.

Growing up in a Chassidic Jewish community of New York is as close to paradise as young Gittel could imagine. At nine-years-old she has everything she could ever want: a loving mother and doting father, five siblings to annoy and a best friend who is like a twin sister. Born on the same day, in the same hospital, and living only blocks apart, Gittel and Devory are inseparable.

When Devory starts getting into trouble at school and showing up at Gittel’s house late at night and asking to stay over, Gittel’s parents label her a “problem child” that would drive her parents crazy.

One night while sleeping at Devory’s house, Gittel watches as a family member enters the girls’ bedroom and crawls into bed with Devory. Scared and too young to understand the full implication of what she sees, Gittel ignores the signs of Devory’s abuse.

When Devory dies, both families cover up the tragedy by saying the girl was sick and encouraging Gittel to forget.

Eight years later when Gittel

is 17-years-old and preparing for marriage, Gittel finds a photo of herself and Devory. Gittel’s memories of their time together as children then begin to torture her. As her family celebrates her future good fortune, Gittel struggles with her silence about the past.

Eishes Chayil, a pen name meaning “Woman of Valour,” writes the story beautifully, transitioning seamlessly from the voice of a carefree nine-yearold child to a 17-year-old bride-to-be wracked with guilt over the earlier death of her best friend.

Without judgment, Chayil describes a community that is so strong and so entrenched in tradition and faith in God that they are prepared to ignore something they know to be so wrong in favour of keeping their way of life. When a community turns a blind eye to abuse, it is usually vulnerable women and children who have the least control and who suffer.

The fear of breaking a community’s silence in the face of sexual exploitation is a human fear, not a religious one.

Unfortunately, this fear, this abuse, happens in every society, in every religion, in every generation.

But, as Chayil, shows us with her extraordinary book, only one person is needed to break the silence and show the world what valour means. 

“When a community turns a blind eye to abuse, it is usually vulnerable women and children who have the least control and who suffer.”

The Women’s Press

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.11

WHAT WOMEN ARE TALKING ABOUT...

Women at IWC’s Volunteer Appreciation Event

Why do you volunteer at the Immigrant Women’s Centre?

In 2012, 50 volunteers donated their time to the Immigration Women’s Centre and contributed a total of 4,903 hours. Here are the volunteers who were able to attend our Volunteer Appreciation event. [Back] Sister Rosanne Logel, Taymaa Mustafa, Sister Francis Rossignoli, Masoumeh Radfar, Ofelia Ramirez, Alinamaria Rodriguez (Volunteer Coordinator), Rumana Afrin [Front] Sister Claudia Rossignoli, Ines Rios (Executive Director), Noreen Erbaz.

Masoumeh Radha “I am volunteering at the IWC because I need Canadian experience and my English class is there. It is better for me to volunteer there after class. I like the centre and its people. I hope to find a job after.”

Noreen Erbaz “I enjoy meeting with new clients.

The staff at the Mountain site is very polite and helpful.”

TIME WELL SPENT MAIN SITE 8 Main St E Suite 101

905-529-5209

MOUNTAIN SITE 1119 Fennell Ave E #236

905-387-1100

REBECCA SITE 182 Rebecca St

905-525-9676

BARTON SITE 2255 Barton St E

905-573-7663

MONTCALM SITE 45 Montcalm Dr #43

905-388-5048

Ofelia Ramirez “I learn many things and it helps me to practice in English. And I enjoy the people and relationship with public.”

Taymaa Mustafa “I’m volunteering here because when we came here as a newcomer last year we needed to integrate in Canadian society and gain Canadian experience. We also needed to improve our English, so that we can gain opportunities to equalize our credentials and work.”

Rumana Afrin “I like to help people. So I enjoy a lot to volunteer at the Immigrant Women’s Centre.”

Join us at the Immigrant Women’s Centre! Onsite childminding with all daytime programs available.

Information Sessions

Improve Your Language Skills!

Mountain Site | 1119 Fennell Ave East | 905-387-1100 June 9 | 1:00 p.m. | Advocating for Your Teen with Margaret Fuca, John Howard Society June 11 | 12:30 p.m. | Sponsorship and Visa with Vicky Thind, Immigrant Women’s Centre June 11 | 10:00 a.m. | Influence and Pressure on Youth with Margaret Fuca, John Howard Society

English: Sign up for LINC classes anytime! (Main, Rebecca, Mountain) English for Work: Intensive Listening and Speaking. Obtain practical customer service experience and full benchmark level in 280 hours! This program is for CLB 4 and above only.

Program runs Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Main)

Rebecca Site | 182 Rebecca Street | 905-525-9676 May 15 | 3 p.m. | Basic Banking with Aivel Cagas, Financial Literacy May 22 | 10 a.m. | Health Care and Nutrition with Elizabeth Takacs June 6 | 10 a.m. | Cultural Awareness with Nada Tuta, IWC June 19 | 3 p.m. | Borrowing and Obtaining Credit in Canada with Aivel Cagas, Financial Literacy June 24 | 1:30 p.m. | Parenting with Margaret Fuca, John Howard Society Main Site | 8 Main Street East | 905-529-5209 May 9 | 1:00 p.m. | Advocating for Your Teen with Margaret Fuca, John Howard Society May 29 | 10:30 a.m. | Planning for College? Continuing Education with Staff from Mohawk College June 12 | 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. | Interested in the Skilled Trades? with Rosemary Aswani, Immigrant Women’s Centre

Leading and Learning Attend a six-week workshop. Learn about housing, education and employment rights and responsibilities. Learn leadership skills. Contact Cassandra for more info and upcoming workshops at 905-529-5209 x223.

Next session starts in June, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 - 12:00.

Job Search Workshops The Job Search Workshops (JSW) program is a workshop that gives you the job search tools to help you succeed in the Canadian job market.

The program runs Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Main: (Module I) May 7 to 10 | (Module II) May 21 to 24 Mountain: (Module I) June 4 to 7 | (Module II) June 18 to 21 Rebecca: (Module I) July 9 to 12 | (Module II) July 23 to 26

Learn, work, grow.

Women in Hamilton, Raising our Voices.

Issue 21 • May & June 2013 • p.12

The Women’s Press

ey, n o M r You e! r u t u F Your WANT TO BUILD YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE? Take our six-week workshop for women on

Personal & Family Financial Management at the Immigrant Women’s Centre.

Leading &LEARNING

A Community Capacity-Building Workshop for Newcomer Women

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Next session starts in June Call Cassandra at 905-529-5209 x 223 for more information.

Do you want to LEARN about education, employment, healthcare, housing and more?

Do you want to learn how to use your SETTLEMENT experience to become a leader in your COMMUNITY? Sign up for Leading & Learning today!

Starts May 28, 2013 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Tues. & Thurs.

Hamilton Public Library - Red Hill Branch | 695 Queenston Rd. Sign up today! For more info contact Aivel at 905-525-9676.

Settlement SUPPORT you NEED from PEOPLE you can count on!

English Language Training Job Search Workshops Orientation & Settlement Computer Training Information Sessions Skill & Leadership Workshops

HAMILTON DOWNTOWN 8 Main St E Suite 101 1-905-529-5209

DOWNTOWN EAST 182 Rebecca St 1-905-525-9676

HAMILTON EAST 2255 Barton St E 1-905-573-7663

HAMILTON MOUNTAIN

1119 Fennell Ave E #236 1-905-387-1100

Services are available in Arabic, Assyrian, Bengali, Bosnian, Cambodian, Cantonese, Croatian, English, Hindi, Karen, Kiswahili, Kurdish, Malay, Mandarin, Nubian, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Somali, Spanish and Urdu.

JANE SUMWIZA KISWAHILI

WENDY PORTILLO JOHNSON

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm.

SPANISH

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