International Women's Day

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2020 3 Celebrating International Women's Day EACH FOR EQUAL Dougald Lamont MLA St. Boniface 204 - 289 - 1511 manitoba.liberals@leg.gov.mb.ca MANITOBA LIBERALS Let's Connect: Dougald Lamont MLA St. Boniface Jon Gerrard MLA River Heights Cindy Lamoureux MLA Tyndall Park Proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements women have made to build our province as leaders, politicians, activists and entrepreneurs. Happy International Women's Day! In the last 40 years, the number of Canadian women entrepreneurs has grown by 4X WTCWINNIPEG.COM CELEBRATING THE PROGRESS WE'VE MADE… UNDERSTANDING THAT WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO Violence holds us back. 60% of women experience violence at work. See It. Challenge it. Violence is #NotOkay In December 2018, Usman founded The Shameless Circle, a non-profit organization that aims to break down barriers through free weekly self-empowerment and community- building workshops for women. Since then, the organization has become a deeply appreciated resource for many women who feel isolated. Usman felt compelled to help others after she emerged from a life-altering personal experience that left her feeling ashamed in isolation. Her situation hinges on non-consensual distribution of intimate images by her ex-husband, who had installed hidden cameras in the home where she lived with her two children. "The day after I found two cameras in my house, I got a call from my mother back home in Pakistan. His family was saying they had images of me and if I go to police they would be releasing those on social media," she said. "For me, I lost the support of my family. I lost the support of my previous community. I had nowhere to go and I didn't want to leave the house for days when that happened. I think the saddest part of this incident is that our home was supposed to be our safest place. Instead, our privacy was invaded." Last February, Usman's ex-husband pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and to committing mischief. Five months later, the provincial court lifted the publication ban so that her name could be connected with the case. "There was a lot of power in sharing my own story. After I went public, there were lots of other women who reached out to me who had gone through similar situations but were too ashamed to come forward or to talk to the police," said Usman, who recently completed her master's degree and works as a senior policy analyst for the provincial government. "Going public also increased the number of people who want to help with The Shameless Circle. It's been a whirlwind, but it's been good." With a focus on innovative programming, The Shameless Circle offers free workshops every Sunday, mainly at Daniel McIntyre/St. Matthews Community Association, as well as on occasional weekdays. Upcoming events include kickboxing on Sunday, March 8; DIY workshops from Monday, March 9 to Wednesday, March 11; and Letting Go workshops on Sunday, March 15 and 22. Then on Thursday, March 26, an Empower Me concert will take place at Nashville's Winnipeg in support of the volunteer- run organization. "We're building a sense of community through these free sessions for women who feel isolated. They come back every Sunday and I think that's really impactful because they can start to make a routine," she said. "There's lots of blaming that is put on women. We body shame women. If a woman leaves an abusive relationship, she is blamed. In this day and age, we're so judgemental as a society. When you stand up for yourself, you need that support of extra people around you who have gone through some similar situations." In addition to free workshops, The Shameless Circle offers the Empower Me Fund to provide some financial support to women who need a boost. Applications are available for up to $50 per month, which can be used towards something specific that might not be covered by another agency or organization. "It's rewarding and, to be honest, it's keeping me sane because after the incident I had so much anger. My therapist told me that I have to use that anger in a positive way," she said. "I truly believe in the power of community. We come together to help each other. I have a wonderful team of people working for The Shameless Circle who contribute endless volunteer hours, and I think that's what contributes to our success." Usman's efforts are gaining international attention, since she will be sharing her story as a speaker in New York on March 9 at a presentation to the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women. She also recently earned a Future Leaders of Manitoba award in the age 27 to 32 category. As well, The Shameless Circle received an honourable mention at the 19th Annual Human Rights Manitoba Awards. "Women's rights are near and dear to me," Usman said. "I fully support women standing up for themselves. It's not easy — but it's possible." ◗ Sara Usman launched The Shameless Circle in December 2018. She recently earned a Future Leaders of Manitoba award. Photos courtesy of The Shameless Circle With a vision of empowerment and equality, Sara Usman strives to help other women shed the stigma of shame. SHEDDING THE STIGMA OF SHAME By Jennifer McFee "There was a lot of power in sharing my own story." - Sara Usman

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