BURSTTwo northwest B.C. organizations are among 15 across Canada receiving funding from Rio Tinto to support services addressing gender-based violence.
Ksan Society in Terrace and the Elizabeth Fry Society in Burns Lake will receive a $25,000 share of $400,000 in national funding, distributed as part of the company’s ongoing initiative to assist individuals affected by domestic and family violence.
This marks the sixth consecutive year Rio Tinto has contributed to organizations across Canada providing shelter, counselling, education, training and support services for women, children and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The funding aligns with the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Rio Tinto Aluminium and Lithium Chief Executive Jérôme Pécresse said the company’s commitment to safety begins with its own workforce. “This same priority extends to the communities around our operations. Gender-based violence has significant impacts on individuals and families, and organisations across Canada provide critical assistance to those affected. Through this initiative, we are contributing to the work they do to protect individuals and strengthen community resilience.”
Since 2020, Rio Tinto has provided $2.335 million in funding to Canadian organizations through this initiative.
The funding has supported efforts to modernize safety tools and protocols, improve access to information and resources, and amplify public awareness about intimate partner violence. Company involvement is also seen as sending a strong message that victims are not alone and that support is available.
Rio Tinto says it also offers internal support measures for employees experiencing gender-based violence. These include additional paid leave, emergency accommodation, financial assistance, and access to training to help colleagues provide safe and appropriate support when needed.
“Recognizing domestic violence is critical and can help save a life. If someone shares that they have been experiencing domestic violence, it is important to respond in a way to help that is safe, respectful, and centered on their needs,” the company stated.
Resources on how to support people experiencing domestic violence can be found here.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that runs each year from Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to Dec. 10, Human Rights Day. Launched in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, the campaign is a global call to end violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. It is supported by organizations, governments, and institutions around the world, who use the 16 days to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and share strategies for preventing and eliminating gender-based violence.