Anti-Oppression/Diversity Policy Statement and Purpose ⁴

The purpose of this policy is to foster anti-oppression values and attitudes and develop anti-oppression knowledge and practices, among the Board, staff, volunteers, and program participants within Sistering. Also this policy is to ensure that everyone in the Sistering Community is aware of their right to experience and responsibility to maintain an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Sistering supports the understanding that women from diverse communities contribute to the growth, enrichment and strength of Sistering and of the larger community.

This comprehensive policy is consistent with the aims and objectives of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Human Rights Code, and with Sistering’s mission and values. Sistering will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment as defined in this policy or under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Sistering recognizes that oppressions based on race, ethnicity, creed, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, country of origin, religion, mental health status, age, and ability are systemic in Canadian society. They form a system of interlocking oppressions that are mutually enforcing and cannot be addressed in isolation.

Oppressions are so thoroughly embedded in Canadian culture and social institutions that they affect everyone and yet are often invisible. They affect the perception of the world of people who - knowingly or unknowingly - carry oppressive attitudes and stereotypes which make them prejudge individuals and situations. These perceptions lead to behaviours that validate and spread oppressive behaviours.

Oppression prevents equality of opportunity, access to asylum, immigration opportunities, education, jobs, housing, health care and social services, and limits participation in decision-making bodies.