YWCA Toronto - The Feminist Edge

"Because of women like us, I believe that in the end, tyranny will never succeed, and goodness will always vanquish evil. Although I may not see it in my lifetime, peace will overcome."

~ Leymah Gbowee, Liberian Activist, Social Worker, and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Dear YWCA Community,

Last week was World YWCA’s Week Without Violence. The 2023 theme was ‘Not On Our Screens, Not On Our Streets: A Movement Towards Violence-Free Communities’ which focused on addressing Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) and building safer communities worldwide.

Throughout the week, it was not lost on us that this year’s Week Without Violence came at a heightened time of violence around the globe, specifically in Palestine and Israel. We know when conflict occurs, women, girls, and gender diverse people are disproportionately impacted and we express our support to all those navigating this violence and its impacts on diaspora communities. The pain, the grief and the despair are palpable and there are no words to heal the immense hurt so many are feeling. What we can say, is that we are committed to envisioning and working towards a world free from violence and filled with peace.

October is also Women’s History Month, to celebrate, Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) has shared a roster of inspiring women who are committed champions in advancing gender equality, including YWCA Canada’s very own CEO, Aline Nizigama!

This month we also recognize Islamic Heritage Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions of Muslim communities across Canada. Our Advocacy and Communications team is proud to be hosting an anti-Islamophobia 101 workshop by the Canadian Council of Muslim Women next week, which is open to all YWCA Toronto staff. This month we re-commit to being a strong voice in the struggle to end hate, discrimination and Islamophobia.

With hope,

Sami Pritchard

Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications

YWCA Toronto

ADVOCACY CORNER

2023 YWCA Day on the Hill

Earlier this month, we joined YWCA Canada’s Day on the Hill to urge the Federal government to address the gendered housing crisis. We met with Members of Parliament and Senators about the need to increase funding for gendered transitional housing supports, a tangible step to ensure women, gender diverse people and their families have a safe place to go when fleeing violence.

While in Ottawa, we were honoured to join the Native Women’s Association of Canada for their Sisters in Spirit vigil to commemorate the National Day of Action for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

Together, we can eradicate gender-based violence and end homelessness.

PROGRAM UPDATE

December 6^th Fund

YWCA Toronto has proudly managed the December 6^th Fund since 2007 – originally developed in 1990 by the December 6 Coalition to raise awareness about violence against women. Today, the fund provides interest-free loans to women, Two-Spirit People and gender diverse individuals fleeing violence. The funds assist them in their transition to living independently and in greater safety. The fund has supported over 1,000 participants and their children as they flee violence.

Learn more.

PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHT

Adopt-A-Family Program

For many, the holidays can be the hardest time of the year. Help provide a sense of belonging this winter and make the season brighter for women, girls, and gender diverse people using YWCA Toronto's programs and services. Your donation helps provide families with gift cards to use at their discretion for warm clothing, gifts for their children, festive meals and more.

Visit our program page to learn more.

Photo | Courtesy of the CAEFS

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Learn about Gender-Based Violence with the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS)

CAEFS is hosting a Virtual Panel Discussion on the Criminalization of Coercive Control in Canada on Tuesday, October 31^st from 12-1 p.m. Join the panel online to hear from legal experts about the gendered impacts of criminalizing coercive control.

Photo | Courtesy of the Ontario Nonprofit Network

State of the Sector Survey Results: Ontario Nonprofit Network

Demand for nonprofit services are at a high while nonprofit financial situations are on a downward spiral, says the newest data from the Ontario Nonprofit Sector Survey Report. What more can be done to future-proof Ontario’s social infrastructure? Delve into the report here!

Edgy

Sparking Change in our Community for 150 Years

In recognition of YWCA Toronto’s 150^th anniversary, we asked our Director’s team how each of their departments has sparked change in the community. In a recent blog post we share their answers, which showcase real change, hard won accomplishments and an unwavering commitment to growing our services as the needs of women, girls and gender diverse people change within our city.

Read the blog post here.

Celebrating the Day of the Girl

At the start of the month, a handful of YWCA Toronto staff and board members attended Crossroads International’s 12th Annual Day of the Girl Breakfast, which supports the empowerment of girls to protect themselves from threats of violence, stand up for their human rights, become leaders in their community, and expand their voices for change.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear a keynote address by Ontario Poet Laureate, Randell Adjei, and from participants in Ghana's DUNK program.

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. For a full land acknowledgment, please visit our webs ite.

87 Elm Street, Toronto M5G 0A8 | 416.961.8100 | ywcatoronto.org

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