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Why Equality is Better for Everyone...’Almost everything –from life expectancy to mental illness, violence to illiteracy- is affected not by how wealthy a society is, but how equal it is.’...’Societies with a bigger gap between rich and poor are bad for everyone in them- including the well-off.’ ~ The Spirit Level- Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett 2

Women in Northern Ontario lower self-employment rates earn 30% less then males earn less than other women in Ontario healthy life expectancy is lower FN people take their own lives at twice the national average. women’s social status and roles contribute to health inequities. Primary issues -violence against women, challenges of women caregivers, and increased risks from pesticide exposure for rural women. First Nations women continue to experience inequities in social and economic status. form the minority of political leadership. Transportation -deep effect on lives restricting participation in social and economic opportunities. Lower income more impact. ‘If Women are Poor; their Children are Poor’ 3

Reaching the Women PARO On Wheels, Fly In, K-Net, Contact North 4

Financial Inclusion-Microfinance Aboriginal Women in the North

Realities of the North “it is hard to save when survival comes first” 6

New Beginnings Peer Lending Circle Lake Helen Reserve/ Nipigon

PARO services micro loans through peer lending circles holistic micro-enterprise training and counselling starting with empowerment mentoring, marketing & networking opportunities through bizClusters, Social media, awards. Social Enterprise- Helping women with employment, financial literacy & ‘connecting’ and non-profits with capacity building through Accelerated Access, Placement Agency, and PARO Presents store that sells products 8

serves women living in rural, urban and remote communities across Northern Ontario from Kenora to Timmins and North to Moosonee supported by video-conferencing & e-learning through Contact North and K-Net PARO on Wheels

Ways community can support Equality of financial and other distributions Resources need to be aimed at the grass roots level Use cooperative values (collective) Support community businesses Provide child and family care so women can access supports Advocate for infrastructure ( better roads and buildings -to and on reserve ) 10

Thank you! Miigwech! For more information May Street North Thunder Bay, Ontario Phone: | Fax: Toll free: and 11