Ref # 14. Recommendation The justice system, in particular at the local level, should be equipped to help ensure that minority women have full and effective access to justice. For example, legal aid could be targeted at and made more easily accessible to women from minority groups, including by means of outreach. Results. Our local NGO’s developed and delivered a three(3) year Leadership training & soft skills development program which presented topics on: Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms, Human Rights, conflict resolution coping skills, women’s safety, cultural awareness & Social/workplace sensitivity, health and wellness, self-esteem building and much more. Most minority women for various reasons expressed lack of knowledge of their legal rights, lack of trust and support within the justice system at the local level. Solution The program provided the opportunity for guests speakers within the community who represented the police force, legal aid, victims unit, child protection etc. to facilitate information sessions and create a forum for questions and answers that would provide these women with knowledge, networks and contacts should a situation arise. Translation services specifically in minority languages still remains problematic within government and local level. Ref # 19. Recommendation Decisions on policy choices should be fully transparent and made with the full and effective participation of minority women. Results Our NGO is currently delivering a 2 year "Mentorship for Visible Minorities & Newcomer Women" program to prepare approximately 60 women and girls from the various ethno-cultural communities within our region to become future community and business leaders by linking them with women mentors who have taken that path and are current decision makers actively involved within community based organizations, boards and advisory groups. Ref # 20. Recommendation Governments should systematically include principles of gender equality in their planning and budgeting processes and policies, and allocate adequate resources to projects to address the priorities of minority women. Results The Canadian Federal Government provides programs and funds that are specifically allocated to address the priorities of minority women. The issue being is that these programs are typically funded between a 2-3 year maximum regardless of successful outcomes. Ref #24. Recommendation Government and law enforcement officials, social workers, health professionals and other relevant actors should receive training on non-discrimination, women’s rights and violence against women. Results In my region training sources are available for representatives within institutions that provide services and support of violence against women, specifically domestic. The fact remains because immigration is new to our region, these institutions, government, law enforcement, social workers, health professionals and others are not prepared, nor do they have access to resources that would provide them with the proper knowledge and information to support any non-discrimination and violence against women who are member of various ethnic communities. 3