Women have made undeniable progress. Let us recognize all that they have overcome, celebrate all that has been gained and achieved. But let us not turn a blind eye to situations that remain unacceptable. Across Canada, unequal pay, poverty, housing problems, insecurity and violence are the daily realities faced by thousands of women. They must continuously fight to preserve what they have accomplished and to better their circumstances.

I have had the opportunity to sit down with a number of organizations to talk about spousal abuse, to see their work in this area and the amazing strides they have made to help victims and their children, raise public awareness and spearhead prevention campaigns. What is most striking is the extent of these networks built on fellowship. I myself helped to establish a number of shelters for women struggling with domestic violence. I have listened to and supported hundreds of women in crisis. I know the anguish of solitude, the shame, but most especially the strength it takes to start over from nothing and rebuild a life. This issue is one that is never far from my heart as a woman and as governor general. I hope that we will use this space to share the initiatives and actions taken across this country to help in the advancement of women and to prevent all forms of violence perpetrated against them.

Michaëlle Jean
Governor General of Canada