2.3 The Hon. Minister Marci Ien on Comedy, Art, GBV, Economic Abuse, and the health of men and boys

Curious about what a Minister thinks of Kendrick's new album, Jamie Foxx, and Kevin Hart? Find the answers in this episode of the IDEAA-nomics podcast! Niha Shahzad, Host and Sr. Director of the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment, speaks with the ⁠Hon. Minister Marci Ien,⁠ Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth about Gender-Based Violence, Economic Abuse, importantly the health of men and boys, and how comedy and art have the power to heal.

In this episode, they talk about the good work of Canadian organizations WhiteRibbon , NextGenMen to help men and boys. They also highlight the new way that the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment (CCFWE) is engaging the public on Economic Abuse including the CCFWE's new original song, Ascending (out now on Apple Music and Spotify), the accompanying Music Video and Social Media and Dance Challenges (complete with Gift prizes) ending on Dec 20, to raise awareness about Economic Abuse.

Canadian artists and comedians that came into the mix: 

• ⁠Jesse Singh, a.k.a. The Punjabi Timbit⁠: The hilarious stand-up comedian and social worker, who is helping young men and boys find healthy emotional outlets through art therapy. 
• SABRE: the lead artist on CCFWE's song Ascending, raising awareness on Economic Abuse
• Ottawa Dance Schools Vibes Dance Academy and Upasana Spirit of Dance who brought the powerful story about women facing economic abuse to life in CCFWE's Help Us Rise Music Video.
• Nambi, the incomparable Award-winning musician, who produced the theme song for the IDEAA-nomics podcast.
• Cranium Arts Project that is hosting a Hip Hop Food Drive today, Dec 13, to support over 10 Food banks in Ottawa.
•  Koga, an Ottawa-based music collective, which includes R&B artist Yoharis, whose music touches on toxicity in relationships.