This year’s theme for International Women's Day (IWD) is Every Woman Counts. It's a reminder that all women, from all ages and walks of life, have a place in every aspect of Canadian society, including in the economic, social and democratic spheres. It can feel like progress on women’s rights is slow – we see women in Afghanistan being denied access to education; women in Iran arrested for the way they dress; abortion rights rolled back in America; and in our own country we see the gendered impact of the pandemic disproportionately affecting women and girls especially in the areas of gender-based violence, economic security, girls’ empowerment, and inclusive leadership. At Victoria Women’s Transition House we are proud of our history and roots in the Women’s Movement and continue to work today from a trans-inclusive, intersectional feminist perspective.

On March 8 at 1pm ET, the Canadian Women’s Foundation is partnering with the International Economic Forum of the Americas to host a one-hour virtual learning event to explore what gender equality in the workplace needs to look like in 2023. Information & register  

An online course is available – Canadian Women in History – which celebrates the outstanding achievements of women throughout Canada’s history. While this free course targets grade 6-12 students, everyone can create an account and learn! 

The Victoria Arts Council has an exhibition at their Store Street main exhibition space: Levelling Up, Breaking Down will be exhibited from: 4 – 31 March 2023. The work included in the exhibition has been selected to amplify, or complicate, the theme of economic vulnerability often experienced by women as they move through certain stages of life. For more info

Join the Downtown Residents Association at theDock: Centre for Social Impact, 722 Cormorant Street, in marking International Women's Day by watching two documentaries made by women, about women. Ohero:kon - Under the Husk follows two Mohawk girls on their journey to become Mohawk women and is a personal story of a traditional practice challenging young girls spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically, shaping the women they become. Ovarian Psycos is about a fierce and unapologetic group of young women of colour who confront injustice, build community, and redefine identity through a raucous, irreverently named bicycle crew. This event is free, but reserve seats here

There’s a fun evening of connection, inspiration and supporting women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) planned at Kwench, 2031 Store Street on March 9th. Information & tickets

And out on the Peninsula – Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Sidney / North Saanich Library! Award-winning author Cathy Converse presents on the inspiring life of British Columbian trailblazer, Agnes Deans Cameron. FREE. No registration required. More details

One of our longest running support programs is our Drop-In Support Group. This trauma-informed weekly group is available to any woman in our community (they do not need to already be a VWTH client) who has experienced intimate partner violence, and would like to connect with others and process these experiences. The group is facilitated by two VWTH support workers. Because it’s a drop-in program there is no obligation for participants to attend every week – just when it works for the individual. Usually there are approximately 12 women who attend, of all ages and backgrounds.

Alana has been raising money for Victoria Women’s Transition House through a Goddess Run fundraiser. She explained why it matters to her:

“Raising funds and awareness for Victoria Women's Transition House is a cause close to my heart. My mom was a survivor and my childhood was disrupted by domestic abuse. I think our family's experience could have been different if there were more support services like the Transition House available when she was living through violence and abuse. Having a safe place to escape to; having education and support services in the community; having the words and ability to talk about gender-based violence - these are all extremely essential services for women. By sharing my story I hope I can do my part to reduce the stigma around domestic violence, and maybe help make it a little easier for other survivors to know that they are not alone, and there's a whole community of women out here rooting for you.”

Nomad Market Events held another successful, fabulous and fun Fashion Splash event on February 25th. The live catwalk show was an opportunity to showcase Vancouver Island designers and local models with diverse and inclusive collections. 200 guests filled Kwech, the local work and culture club, for a lively evening. A silent auction with items generously donated from the community raised funds for Victoria Women’s Transition House.

Thank you to the event organisers and everyone who bid on the auction items – in total $1,505 was raised to support VWTH supports and services!

Thank you Sharon Hill for your generous gift in memory of John Klymak.

We gratefully received a bequest from the estate of Kenneth Prior.

Many thanks to Jessica and Heather from Treat Yourself Treats for another generous donation, a portion of profits from sales of their delicious chocolate treats are donated to local charities including Victoria Women's Transition House.

Did You Know? We have a Community Education Co-Ordinator who would love to connect with your community group, service club, business or institution. Learn about the services that VWTH provides and ways that you can get involved. Maya can arrange a presentation tailored specifically to your area of interest, and present to you in person, or via zoom. Connect with Maya

In Case You Missed It...

It is with much respect to the Lekwungen and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples of the WSÁNEĆ, Esquimalt, and Songhees Nations, on whose traditional territories the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society is located, that we make this acknowledgment with the expressed shared hope to live in communities free of intimate partner violence.