pandemic-conversations, Social Justice, Podcast
Pandemic Conversations: Advocating for Women During COVID-19 — with Janice Abbott
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On this episode of Below the Radar, we are joined by Janice Abbott, the CEO of Atira Women’s Resource Society. Our office’s Program Assistant Paige Smith sits down with Janice to discuss how the pandemic has affected the work of Atira in combatting violence against women.
Janice discusses the many diverse initiatives Atira has, including their popup refuge SisterSquare for women in the Downtown Eastside, their expansive housing support systems, and their new safety protocols. With reports indicating an increase in calls to support phone lines for women experiencing violence, Janice also provides tips for what we can all do to support each other during these times.
Resources
About Our Guest
Janice Abbott
Janice Abbott has been the CEO of Atira Women's Resource Society since 1992 during which time she has led the Society through its incredible growth from a single transition house located south of Vancouver with a staff of seven, to a large multi-service agency with two, for-profit subsidiaries, development and arts arms, and more than 900 staff.
Throughout Atira’s herstory, Janice has championed barrier-free and low-barrier access to programs and services for women, ensuring Atira’s programs are accessible to all women affected by violence including women who have traditionally been marginalized by mainstream society. She developed and works to honour in her daily practice and in her life Atira’s anti-oppression framework.