Respect and representation deserve our attention: Milena’s #Your City Your Way

Hello everyone.

I am Milena and my story with Toronto started 2016 just when I arrived to Canada. I didn’t know much about Toronto and yet here I am. It became the city where I want build my future in. And to me, a city is all about people living in community. So today I will tell you about a thing that I envision when thinking about my future in here: it is Respect.

When I got here, I felt more respected. My culture, my choices, my rights… I was respected. Was it perfect? No. But it still is more than what I am used to, coming from a country where one woman is killed every two hours. This country is Brazil.

I still remember the first night I walked in the streets of Toronto at night. At first, I was hyper aware of my surroundings. I was afraid for my life. Afraid for my dignity. And then I realized I didn’t have to be in constant fear anymore. I thought I was in a wonderland. And then I did my research.

The thing is… While I am being respected, another woman is not.

According to the Canadian Woman’s Foundation, half of all women experienced at least once a physical or sexual violence after the age of 16. And the risks of being a victim of gender-based violence are higher if the woman is a part of a minority group.

And we feel that it’s a reality that is far away, but it’s not. Here’s a really shocking statistic: according to the Canadian Woman’s foundation, 46 per cent of Ontario schoolgirls report experiencing sexual harassment. Almost half of girls in schools. And last month, four women were murdered inside their homes in the Peel region in a span of two weeks.

I am aware of my privileges. I always had a support system in place. I was brought up by a family that worked hard to provide to me and to pay so I had a private education, which makes a big difference where I come from. My parents could also support me in coming to Canada, and because of them I can afford to live in a place where I feel safe. Also, I fit in the aesthetic standard. I am considered white in Brazil, cause in there what counts is the color of your skin. In Toronto, if I don’t say where I come from, most people think I am European, when in fact, I am a proud Latina. And sadly, that makes a difference.

Also, where is the representation? Toronto is a city built by immigrants, where 51% of the population identifies as a visible minority and yet, only 11 per cent of the city council are visible minorities. Thirty-two per cent are woman, however only one of the 14 woman councillors is a visible minority. And it is not only in politics. Only 14 per cent of the board members of Companies in the Toronto Stock Exchange are woman, according to a study by Osler.

Lack of representation, harassment, gender-based violence… They are all part of a systematic problem. And it all comes to respect.

And I understand how respect is not only about me. Equality goes way beyond of my experiences and the way I am treated. The fact that Toronto has been a great city for me does not delete the things that have to be fixed in the city for everyone. But we are on the right track today. In here, woman are speaking their minds. They are being listened. And they are being applauded. By everyone. This is a great start.

Let’s keep this up. Let’s speak up. Let’s work together to make Toronto a better city for everyone. The conversation has started and now it’s not the time to rest. Let’s give our voices the volume it deserves. The responsibility lies with all of us. And respect never is too much.