Connections | May 2018   
Every Woman's Place for Support, Connections and Community.
Jane's Walk: Exploring the Neighbourhood Together
Join us on Saturday May 5, 1-3 pm for our annual Jane's Walk! 

In the spirit of Jane Jacobs, we will have a look at how urban planning affects women in their daily lives. As we walk the streets of the  Bridgeland  area, we will discuss urban planning through a gender plus lens, exploring how the layout of a city affects women and individuals from diverse communities. From physical barriers like sidewalk curbs, to social barriers like colonial street names, how do we plan a more accessible city for all?

We will begin at the Women's Centre (39 4th St NE) at 1:00 pm and end at the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association. Please make sure to RSVP on our website. All ages and genders welcome to attend! Participants in our Girl Programs will also be hosting a girl-led walking tour on Friday May 4, sharing issues that are important to girls in our community. This walk is also open to everyone, details can be found here.

Around the Web

When Black Women Were Required By Law to Cover Their Hair

'I couldn't afford to go anywhere.' Calgary's Low-Income Transit Pass is Breaking Barriers

Walking With Our Sisters Calgary
 
A commemorative art installation honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. 

This free event takes place at the Mount Royal University, Riddell Library until May 13, 2018. 

Everyone is welcome. For more details please visit: 


Upcoming Workshops
 
Our workshops are free and open to all women. View and register for the May workshops online  here

This is a conversational group where women have an opportunity to practice English for daily situations. 
Drop-in basis; no sign-up required.


Move through this easy yoga class with basic poses and breathing techniques to help calm your mind! Beginners welcome.

June Social Issues Discussion: Gender Equity in the City  Wednesday June 6, 6-8 pm 
Join us to learn about the role of the City of Calgary in advancing gender equity. We'll dive into the policy-making process at the city level and learn about what other Canadian cities are doing to advance gender equity. We'll also have the opportunity to apply a gender lens to city services using tangible examples in areas like public transit and recreation.

Children are not allowed in workshops. Free Child Minding is available for children ages 19 months - 12 years.

Child Minding in May and June will take place on Wednesdays & Thursdays, 6-8 pm.

Our Annual Report is Now Online
2017 marked our 20th year of working with and for women in Calgary! Want to learn about our activities last year? Our 2017 Annual Report is now online and can be viewed  here.  

In 2017 our community of women grew, and our programs and services grew with it. 9,006 individuals came to, called, or emailed the Centre -- 957 more women than the year before, or an increase of 12%!  Read more about our programs, services, and the amazing community of supporters that made our work possible.

























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Ways to Connect 

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Marathon Day is Almost Here!
The Scotiabank Marathon takes place on Sunday May 27, 2018. 

There's still time to join the Women's Centre's team to run in support of women in our community! Funds raised  will go to our Direct Assistance program, which women accessed over 16,000 times last year to receive food and personal care items like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tampons, and body wash.  

There are lots of ways to support the Women's Centre. You can walk, run, donate, share our fundraising page, or cheer runners on from the sidelines on race day. 
On the Blog: Social Issues Discussion Recap - Migrant Caregivers
On April 3, 2018 the Women's Centre hosted a Social Issues Discussion on Migrant Caregivers in Calgary. 

Every year, thousands of people enter Canada as temporary foreign workers. Only a small percentage of these workers will be able to stay in Canada and become Permanent Residents or citizens. Women with temporary immigration status face unique challenges in Canada - including exploitation, sexual abuse, and long separation from family members.

During our discussion, we spoke with two women who came to Canada as live-in caregivers. They shared their personal experiences of migrating to Canada and provided insights into access of health care and social benefits. 
 
To read more of this story please visit our website
On the Blog: Improving Snow Removal in Calgary
By the time this newsletter circulates, the snow will hopefully be a distant memory, but the thought of the City's snow removal efforts this year may still sting. 

The City is meeting in June to discuss what improvements, if any, need to be made to snow removal processes. The Women's Centre and Disability Action Hall are looking for your feedback to provide the City's Transit and Transportation committee.  

For more information on how you can voice your input and to learn the different impacts of snow removal on women and men please read our blog post online here
Environmental Issues Discussion Women on Wheels: Biking, Gender and Urban Environment
On Wednesday May 16, 6-8 pm as a part of our Environmental Issues Discussion Series, we've assembled a diverse and knowledgeable panel of women to lead a discussion on various biking-related topics. In this packed two-hour event, we'll explore everything from barriers to women biking in Calgary, to the connection between bike pathways and climate resilience. 

As a group, we'll share our own experiences of getting around Calgary on two-wheels, learning from one another and providing input into our own visions for a bike-friendly city. Join us for an evening of connection, community, and everything biking!

Please visit our website for more details and to register. 
Our Vision: Women Supporting Communities, Communities Supporting Women.