OUR METHOD
Intersectional Feminism and Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence
Addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and human trafficking is a fundamental part of our work. As an organization, we go deep.
Why? Because if we do not address the root causes, then we will simply be doing damage control for the rest of our lives. When working to prevent violence against women, we must address gender inequality, systemic racism, colonialism, ableism, homo/transphobia, capitalism and more. We have to be in this for the ‘long haul’ and anyone doing this work knows that. There is no quick fix to violence against women, but we are ready for the challenge.
Women and girls living at the intersections of gender, race, ability and socio-economic status experience the highest rates of violence. When addressing violence against women and advancing the feminist movement, Aura Freedom’s work recognizes and centers the most marginalized women including Indigenous women, racialized women, immigrant and refugee women, women living with disabilities, gender diverse people, the Girl Child and others.
We believe inclusive and intersectional education that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence and human trafficking is the most effective form of prevention and we do our best to provide education that is barrier-free, trauma-informed and survivor-centred.Moreover, Aura Freedom’s work addresses deeply entrenched and rigid gender norms that impede equity and dictate the way people “must” behave. We don’t shy away from rape culture, unhealthy masculinity, and sexism in our communities and in the media.
The result? Women, girls and gender diverse people from all backgrounds who are able to exercise their rights and live healthy lives free from violence.
OUR METHOD:
• Address root causes of gender-based violence
• Resist patriarchy, racism, and other oppressive systems
• Build the intersectional feminist movement and advance equity
• Listen to grassroots excellence
• Amplify marginalized voices
• Remain trauma-informed and survivor-centered
It is important to note that with regards to human trafficking, Aura Freedom does not engage in “Rescue Industry” activities, although we do recognize the necessity of rescue when it pertains to child trafficking. We meet survivors where they are, recognizing their diverse backgrounds, decisions and choices. We are committed to ensure that our efforts to counter human trafficking do not negatively impact other groups of oppressed and marginalized persons, nor do we perpetuate a harmful and patriarchal ‘victim narrative’ that supports a very narrow understanding of what trafficking and trafficked persons look like. For more information on our human trafficking prevention work, click here.