MISOGYNY MOTIVATED VIOLENCE, GENDER-BASED ANALYSIS PLUS, AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S PLAN TO END THE EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN CANADA

Abstract

This thesis explores and evaluates the Canadian government’s response to the rise of misogyny-motivated violence (MMV) in Canada. This thesis first exposes an attitude of ambivalence within the Canadian government as an institution regarding violence against women and girls, which has underscored meagre policy efforts to reduce gender-based violence (including MMV) in the country over the last several decades. Through a content analysis of strategy documents and other grey literature published by relevant line departments and agencies within the federal government, this research highlights the Canadian government’s failure to effectively tackle the root causes of gender inequality, particularly within its own institutional structure, contributing to the rise of MMV in Canadian society. Results indicate that Canada’s current approach to MMV prevention efforts lacks transformative feminist and intersectional perspectives, which this thesis argues are essential in making meaningful progress in combating MMV in Canada.