Equity Statement
Equity is an approach whereby all people - especially those with lived experience of intergenerational, historic and contemporary forms of marginalization, whether intentional or unintentional - have equal access to opportunities to define and achieve goals.
Our Equity Statement
Planned Parenthood Toronto will be responsive to the changing needs of youth in Toronto and the many people and communities that create the vitality and resiliency of our city. We acknowledge that systemic barriers to equity exist and that PPT can also perpetuate systemic barriers within our organization.
Equity can only be achieved by actively pursuing it as a goal and understanding that it is an ongoing process with no completion date. We strive to ensure we are supporting and creating inclusive and equitable environments. We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to working towards equity. We recognize that treating all groups equally will not result in equity. Doing equity work must include a willingness to embrace discomfort, we commit to engaging with discomfort and see it as a good guide that we are on the right track in achieving justice and liberation for all.
We will continue and increase our work to make meaningful, respectful and equitable connections with marginalized communities and individuals, through sharing resources, creating more opportunities to collaborate, making authentic connections, co-designing goals, and engaging leaders with lived experience to ensure all communities in Toronto see themselves reflected at Planned Parenthood Toronto.
One important way to help achieve equity is to amplify the voice and power of marginalized communities. We want to ensure that people can thrive and reach their full potential by amplifying the voices and power of the community.
We commit to reporting back and communicating about our successes and challenges in our equity and inclusion journey.
Definition of Marginalized Communities and Individuals
The term “marginalized communities and individuals” is contested and like other language that may be used to describe oppressed groups there are disagreements and contention associated with the use of the term. There is no single widely accepted term. For the purposes of this document, we use the term “marginalized communities and individuals” to include groups that seek equity and are oppressed by societal structures. Marginalized communities and individuals are disproportionately impacted by discrimination due to systems of oppression. Oppression takes many forms including but not limited to anti-Black racism, classism, sexism, and ableism. Communities that experience marginalization include: Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people, Black people, Asian and Pacific Islander people, diverse ethnic, linguistic, or cultural communities, 2SLGBTQIA people, women, non-binary people and those of other marginalized genders, people who are homeless, people impacted by poverty, people with support and access needs due to their lived experiences with mental health and/or disability. This not a complete list and it is always evolving. It is also important to note the impact of Intersectionality. Intersectionality is when people who belong to multiple marginalized communities experience interlocking and interdependent systems of discrimination and oppression. An individuals’ experiences of oppression are shaped by the intersection of various aspects of their identity.
Why is an Equity Statement Important?
Toronto is a city with tremendous opportunities, however due to discrimination and inequity many of these opportunities are inaccessible and do not benefit everyone. Identifying and shifting the status quo is integral in solving these problems and creating a truly inclusive community for all. As a pro-choice community health centre that advances and advocates for the sexual health, health and well-being of youth, we strive to be strategic and responsive to the changing needs of the community. We believe that everyone should have the right to control their lives and make informed decisions about their health and sexuality. We deeply recognize our ongoing responsibilities connected to having access to power, such as capital, networks, and influence. As such, it is important for us to be explicit in our commitment to equity.
We hope this statement will:
- Instigate conversations about equity;
- Be a tool for change;
- Keep our organization accountable; and
- Invite others to consider their own equity processes
Taking Action on Equity
Want to Know More?
Planned Parenthood Toronto (PPT) is proud of changes we have already made to advocate for and address inequality at our organization and in the community. We also recognize there is more to do both within our organization and in the community. This document will change and evolve as we continue our journey and will align with organizational commitments to ongoing learning. We invite you to share your questions, feedback, thoughts, and concerns, about our equity and inclusion journey and your own. Please send any comments to equity@ppt.on.ca.