Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario


November Newsletter 2025

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25


November 25 marks an opportunity to raise awareness about the health and social consequences of violence against women and strengthen our commitment to collective action.


Violence against women is not inevitable. It can and must be stopped.


Violence against women and girls remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it. This affects women at all stages of their life, including education, employment, and opportunities.


On this day, wear purple to show your support and commitment to end violence against women.
Access Resources

16 Days of Activism

November 25 to December 10


Violence against women and girls affects one in three women. It is a global human rights emergency that must stop. 


The theme for this year is End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. Digital abuse includes, but is not limited to:

  • Cyberbullying, trolling, threats, and harassment
  • Hate speech and disinformation
  • Doxxing
  • Stalking
  • Grooming and sexual exploitation
  • Misogynistic networks (eg. incel forums)


Read on to find out what you can do to stop violence against women.

Learn More...



Vol .11 Newsletter

What's New with GECO

Violence Against Women


Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.

Did You Know?


1 in 3 women and girls aged 15–49 in the Americas have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner or non-partner sexual violence.

We have many new and exciting things to celebrate this month with Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario and Rainbow Connections!


First, we'd like to thank everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting in October. We'd like to welcome our new Board Members and express our gratitude to the continuing Board Members for their dedication and commitment. Together, we can create impactful change.


Next, we'd like to announce that we've obtained a new space - a Hub for Rainbow Connections located in Downtown St Thomas. It's the first 2SLGBTQIA+ dedicated space in the city. Read on to find out more and to Save-the-Date of our Grand Opening.


Be on the lookout - Rainbow Connections is sponsoring a tree in St Thomas' Community Christmas Tree Spectacular held at the Elgin County Railway Museum in St Thomas from November 14 to December 23. Find all of the details here: www.ecrmchristmas.com


Lastly, ConnectHer is charging ahead to make a difference in the lives of Women and Gender-diverse people in skilled trades by collecting the opinions and experiences of tradespeople. Scroll down to find out all about it and to lend your voice to the movement.

Meet the Team!

Say "Hello!" to our new GECO Board


Welcome to our new Board Executives for 2025-2026! We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated and inspiring team leading GECO this year:


Executive Directors: Dani Bartlett & Amanda Zavitz


Co-Chairs: Shannon Maheu & Lily Pourzand


Finance Lead: Ky Maheu


Youth Advisor: Christina Waite


Secretary: Allie Gocan


Programming Chair: Jeff Perera


Board Members: Jolin Joseph, Corrine Walsh, and Aiden Buchanan

Join Our Team!

We're looking for Advocacy Committee Members


Are you interested in promoting gender equality in Ontario?


What You'll Do:

  • Contribute to advocacy initiatives and projects
  • Support responses to current events and community action
  • Assist in building partnerships within the community


What We Are Looking For:

  • Strong communication and networking skills
  • Ability to collaborate and engage the community
  • Passionate about gender equality and social justice


Contact Us: info@equalitycoalition.ca


Make your voice count. Help shape change in Ontario!

Resource of the Month

Transgender Awareness Week


November 13 to 19 marks Transgender Awareness Week. Transgender Awareness Week is a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the trans community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.


Visibility and awareness are some of the most powerful tools in challenging transphobia, nurturing diversity, and building community. 


This month, we're featuring "It Gets Better Canada," which includes:

  • Resources for Allyship
  • Resources for Your Trans Journey
  • Canadian Organizations Uplifting Transgender People & Rights
More Access...



Vol .11 Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Speakers' Series 2: Building Bridges Across Differences - Countering GBV & Hate in London and Surrounding Area

Wednesday, Nov. 5 @ 7PM


Free online event

Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario is excited to present the second Speaker's Series on November 5. This month’s topic is "Building Bridges Across Differences: Countering Gender Based Violence and Hate in London and Across Ontario" and features 3 speakers. Don’t miss out on some excellent insight.


~ Wear purple in support of Women's Abuse Prevention ~


Featured Speakers:

  • Holly Meaney
  • Allison Preyde
  • Jennifer Dunn
  • Jeff Perera (Moderator)


Registration is necessary to receive your Zoom link.
RSVP Now

Trans Day of Remembrance

Thursday, November 20 @ 5:30 PM


St Thomas Public Library, Carnegie Room, 153 Curtis Street, St Thomas


Free all-ages event

Join us for a quiet evening of community and reflection. This year Rainbow Connections is honored to provide a space on Trans Day of Remembrance for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks to gather and support each other.


The evening will include light refreshments, time to mingle and chat with other community members, and a screening of Disclosure. (Movie contains mature/triggering themes - view discretion is advised.).


No registration required.
Watch the Trailer

Speakers' Series 3: Queer Elders

Wednesday, Dec. 3 @ 7PM


CASO Station

750 Talbot Street,

St Thomas, ON

Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario is excited to present the third Speaker's Series on December 3. This month’s topic is "Queer Elders" and features 3 speakers. Don’t miss out on some unique insight.


Featured Speakers:


  • Neil Hubert
  • Hallie Abram
  • Sister Patricia Derouin
  • Devon Church (Moderator)
Register Online

Grand Opening: Rainbow Connections Drop-in Hub

Wednesday, December 3


15 St Catharine Street, Unit 305, St Thomas


SAVE THE DATE!

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Rainbow Connections—an initiative of the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario—is officially opening a brand-new physical community hub!


The vision of Rainbow Connections is to provide a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for queer, questioning, and trans youth. This vibrant new location will serve as a drop-in centre, offering valuable resources, supportive programming, and above all, a place where young people can feel truly seen, respected, and celebrated.


This milestone is more than just opening a door—it’s about opening hearts and creating a community where every young person knows they belong. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to support youth and young adults in St. Thomas and the surrounding communities, ensuring that everyone has a place where they are welcomed, empowered, and free to be themselves.


A HUGE shout out and thank you to United Way, Elgin Middlesex and to Rainbow Optimist for supporting this initiative.



Vol .11 Newsletter

~ Social Media Giveaway ~

Win a $100 XBox Gift Card


Get the latest news right to your feed, and help GECO spread the word!


Just follow these steps:

  1. Like us on Instagram and Facebook
  2. Find this post and tag 3 friends in the comments
  3. Share the post to your story or feed


You could win a $100 Xbox Gift Card! (Just in time for Christmas!) Draw will take place on December 1.
Like us on Instagram
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GECO Projects

Are you a

Queer or Trans youth living in rural Southwestern Ontario?

Do you know

someone who is?

Connect with Us

Rainbow Connections


November 2025 Events for Youth:


Nov 4: QQ - Games & Craft Night

Nov 11: QQ - Letters of Gratitude

Nov 18: QQ - Science Night

Nov 25: YAS - Embroidery


Rainbow Connections is a GECO program in partnership with Rainbow Optimists and funded by United Way. This program creates two safe community space for Trans and Queer youth: Queer Qlub (QQ) for those ages 12-18 and Young Adult Social (YAS) for those 19-30.
Visit our Website

ConnectHER


TAKE THE SURVEY!

This survey is a chance for people at all levels of skilled trades — from leadership and management to supervisors, job crews, and apprentices — to share their perspectives. Your input will help us better understand the barriers, challenges, and opportunities facing women in the trades, and highlight what’s working, what needs to change, and how industry and tradespeople can move forward together.
Take the Survey

Are you passionate about skilled trades and eager to be a part of a supportive community that helps you thrive? Whether you're just starting out or an experienced tradesperson, our ConnectHER trades community is the perfect fit for you!
Find Out More!



Vol .11 Newsletter
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Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario | PO Box 462 | Belmont, ON N0L 1B0 CA

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