"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
~ Audre Lorde
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear friends,
It has been a season of celebration at YWCA Toronto. From Black History Month, to revealing our Women of Distinction Award recipients, to celebrating International Women’s Day, it is a busy time!
March 21st marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. YWCA Toronto is honouring this day by aligning with the 2022 United Nation’s theme of “Voices for Action Against Racism” and re-affirming our commitment to racial justice. We are committed to creating a safe space for healing and learning at all of our program areas and in all of our departments. And, we do not tolerate hate of any kind: No racism, no sexism, no homophobia, no transphobia, no Islamophobia, no ableism, and no xenophobia.
The Association is proud of the ongoing work by the Access and Equity Committee, the Anti-Black Racism Committee and the current equity audit. We look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the audit once they become available and implementing a robust action plan aligned with our strategic goals.
I would also like to share some helpful anti-racism resources from the Government of Canada.
As ever,
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Heather McGregor
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Toronto
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This year, for International Women’s Day (IWD) we celebrated the resilience of our workers. Partnering with several organizations, we hosted a virtual care fair called “Protecting our Resilience.” Over 100 people joined from across the nonprofit/gender-based violence sector.
Following opening remarks, participants’ chose their own adventure and joined one of three breakout rooms offering yoga, comedy and poetry. It was an uplifting afternoon filled with laughter, relaxation and reflection.
In addition to the event, we asked our 2022 Women of Distinction what this year’s IWD theme, #BreakTheBias meant to them. We received insightful responses and shared these through beautiful graphics. |
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Return to the Office
For YWCA Toronto staff working remotely during the pandemic, we are gradually returning back to site as pandemic restrictions ease.
The Advocacy and Communications Department’s transition back to the office will be a slow and gradual one – beginning with just one day a week. We are happy to reunite with our colleagues – and meet some of our team members in person for the first time!
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Become a YWCA Toronto member today!
Looking for a way to champion women during this global crisis and beyond?
For $20, you will have a voice and a vote at our Annual Members Meeting on May 17th. Help shape our advocacy work, improve our programs and change lives. Please consider joining a vibrant feminist community championing women everywhere.
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Photo | Courtesy of Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care |
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The Child Care Workforce is at a Breaking Point
As we inch closer to the end of the month, our concerns surrounding the state of child care in Ontario continue to mount. Ontario remains the only province or territory in the country not to have signed a federal child care agreement. If the Provincial government does not sign an agreement by the end of March, Ontario families will lose more than a billion dollars in child care funds.
Every day that passes without a signed agreement costs families hundreds of extra dollars on top of thousands already paid. The child care workforce is also at a breaking point with record staff shortages. You can act today and join YWCA Toronto and the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care (OCBCC) in urging the government to sign a deal that includes affordable fees for families, decent work and pay for educators and enough quality public and non-profit spaces for all.
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Photo | Courtesy of Ontario Equal Pay Coalition |
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Take action on Equal
Pay Day
April 12, 2022 is Equal Pay Day! This day represents how far into the year women have to work additionally to make as much as men did the prior year. Wage inequities harm all women, particularly racialized women who face even greater wage gaps.
We are grateful to be joining the Ontario Equal Pay Coalition in urging all political parties to support women’s economic equality and take action on the gender wage gap!
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A Gift of Poetry
In our latest blog our Senior Digital Marketing and Social Media Officer, Tosin Ajogbeje, shares her perspective on the weight of being a Black woman and why we need to continue to advocate for racial justice. She also offers original poems that celebrate being Black, a woman and proud! As we honour the International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination, it is crucial that we reflect and continue to take action against racism and all forms of discrimination.
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Photo | Courtesy of Ontario Nonprofit Network
Decent Work for All Women!
In celebration of International Women’s Day this year, our coalition partner, Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) reflected on what the nonprofit sector can do to advance gender equity. Our Director of Advocacy and Communications, Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, was featured alongside several other sector leaders. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of moving away from colonial practices and prioritizing staff wellness initiatives.
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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.
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