As we enter another week of working remotely and physical distancing, our thoughts are with you – our donors and supporters – as well as with the most vulnerable among us who are being disproportionately affected by this pandemic. We hope that you are safe, healthy, and coping with the demands of physical distancing so that we can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

The LEAF team continues to work remotely, and adjust to this new reality, which is changing day by day. One thing, however, remains the same - and that is our commitment to advocating for the most vulnerable and all those disproportionately affected by systemic inequality.  

At LEAF, we are used to seeing things through an equality and gendered lens. This view is more important than ever. As with most crises, some people are more vulnerable than others. The impact of COVID-19 will be felt differently, depending on many factors, including employment and housing stability, and accessible and strong health care systems. 
 

The most vulnerable members of our communities will face the greatest challenges and risk of harm during this crisis, including those who have pre-existing  illnesses, live with disabilities, must self-isolate with their abusive partners, are confined to prisons or detention centres, live without job security or safe housing, or are called upon to care for those who have fallen ill. We must guard against this pandemic exacerbating the already existing systemic inequalities.  

At LEAF, we will keep fighting for pay equity and pension equality, and highlight how women will significantly carry the burden of care giving and job losses, because this pandemic will intensify the economic barriers women already face.  
 

At LEAF, we will keep fighting for the security and safety of women, and highlight how shelters and other services for women facing intimate partner abuse need to be supported, because home is not safe for everyone.  
 

At LEAF, we will keep fighting against the racist and sexist myths and stereotypes that exist about Indigenous women in the legal system, because Indigenous women and girls face a higher risk of infection and death in this pandemic. 

For now, our main challenge is to help each other weather the impacts of this pandemic and ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind in the process. At LEAF we will continue to fight for those most impacted by COVID-19 and demand structural change.  

LEAF will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that the actions taken to address COVID-19 are understood through an equality and gendered lens. LEAF will continue to advocate for the equality rights of women and girls through this crisis, and your continued support for LEAF is more important than ever. 

We hope you all stay safe, keep washing your hands, and maintain physical distancing, while staying socially connected and informed.  

In solidarity,