"If you see inequality as a “them” problem or “unfortunate other” problem, that is a problem." ~ Kimberlé Crenshaw
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Dear friends, 

#16DaysofActivism on Gender-Based Violence begins November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on December 10th, known as Human Rights Day. It is an opportunity to recommit to confronting all forms of violence against women, girls and gender diverse people. This struggle remains urgent because incidents of gender-based violence continue to be a pervasive problem in Canada, one that has only intensified during to the pandemic. 

As we remember the act of violent misogyny at École Polytechnique in Montréal, we honour the 14 young women murdered on December 6th, 32 years ago. YWCA Toronto will commemorate this day, known as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, by hosting a staff vigil. This solemn gathering also allows us to make a strong statement about the importance of ending gender-based violence in our communities.  

Research from the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH) shows the pandemic has led to an alarming increase in intimate partner violence, leading to a sharp rise in the severity of new cases. 

OAITH reported 53 femicide cases - a 47% increase compared to the previous year. During these 16 days, we recommit to urging the government to create a robust national action plan to end gender-based violence, while investing in affordable housing and transitional programs, emergency shelters for women and their families, and greater financial support for shelter workers on the frontlines.
 
We know that our voices are stronger together. Join us as we advocate for change and gender justice in this city.
 
Sincerely,
 
Heather McGregor 
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Toronto
ADVOCACY CORNER
The pandemic is not over – and neither is the she-cession

In October, we sent the Ontario government a strong message: We need a plan to end this province’s ongoing she-cession, and we need it now. Political parties and the media took note of the Ontario YWCA Coalition’s #SheCoveryON campaign – we received public support from Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath, Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca and have met with all major parties to discuss our ideas. The media highlighted our campaign – we received coverage in the Toronto Star, Global News Toronto and on CTV’s Your Morning. Whether you signed the petition, shared the message on social media or attended our November 3rd virtual panel, thank you for joining our campaign.
 
On November 5th, we responded to the government’s fall economic statement, considered a preview to next year’s election budget. When candidates knock on your door next year, ask for their plan to support a gender equitable economic recovery!  

 
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PROGRAM UPDATE
Do you or any anyone you know need employment support? 

YWCA Toronto is here to help! We offer a range of free and paid employment and training programs. Each one is designed with the needs of women, girls and gender diverse people in mind. Thousands of participants have secured new job opportunities with our support.

We offer free connection with employers who are hiring, virtual job fairs, resume and cover letter sessions, winning interview techniques, career counselling, Second Career Application assistance and much more. Many of our services have resumed in-person programming as well. Connect with us at 416.264.5788 or at empcentre2425@ywcatoronto.org for more information. 
PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHT
Because everyone deserves something special for the holidays

Donating to the Adopt-A-Family Fund helps purchase and distribute gift cards to help our program participants. The cards will give an extra hand to those most impacted by COVID and still dealing with its devastating effects. 

Your generous support allows the women, girls and gender diverse people we serve to enjoy the holidays and create special memories for their families.

Help bring joy, peace and a sense of belonging this season by donating to the Adopt-A-Family Fund today.

Photo | Courtesy of City of Toronto
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
A win for affordable housing in our city

On November 9th, the City of Toronto passed a new inclusionary zoning policy framework, which will contribute to the creation of more affordable housing units. This makes Toronto the first city in Ontario to require certain new residential developments to include affordable housing units – a step in the right direction. Thank you to our partners at WomanACT, Progress Toronto and Social Planning Toronto for your strong advocacy leadership on this front!

 
Photo | Courtesy of The Homeless Hub
Realizing the Right to Housing 

The "This Is Not Home" project was recently released by a powerful team of lived experts, service providers and researchers including The Women's National Housing & Homelessness Network, Sistering (Toronto, ON) and the Downtown East Side Women’s Centre (Vancouver BC). This participatory research project documents the strengths of low-barrier, gender-focused drop-ins and offers findings to support the realization of the right to housing in Canada.
 
Learn about creating accessible, secure, and self-determining housing and support options for women and gender diverse people. Make sure to check out the findings.


 
Edgy

Photo | Courtesy of the Daily Bread Food Bank

The Daily Bread Food Bank and North York Harvest Food Bank will hold a panel discussion on Thursday, November 25th to mark the release of their #WhosHungry2021Report. Join our Advocacy and Communications Director, Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Editor-in-Chief of online magazine The Local, Tai Huynh, and Daily Bread Food Bank’s Research & Advocacy VP, Talia Bronstein, next Thursday for a discussion about poverty and food insecurity in our city.  

Photo | Courtesy of City News
In a recent City News interview, our Director of Shelters and Clinical Services, Nina Gorka shared her thoughts about the impacts of the pandemic on gender-based violence. She also highlighted YWCA Toronto’s work to provide more shelter beds and in-person programming to further support women, gender diverse people and their families.
 
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
YWCA Toronto operates on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We are grateful to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for women, girls, and gender diverse people.