"We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through."
~ Rosemary Brown
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear YWCA Toronto Community,
November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. These 16 days are an opportunity to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls, which we know is on the rise across in the world. Yesterday was also the Transgender Day of Remembrance. We know that trans women face higher rates of violence and femicide than cis women.
On November 30th, we are joining early learning and child care workers and allies across the country for a National Day of Action for Child Care. This day is focused on demanding better pay, quality and access to child care across Canada. While we celebrated the Canada-Ontario child care deal, we understand that there is still work to be done. I encourage you to sign a petition created by The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care calling for better pay and working conditions for early childhood educators!
Lastly, December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day commemorates the 14 young women killed in a violent act of misogyny at the École Polytechnique in Montreal more than 30 years ago – and remembers all lives lost to gender-based violence. Every year, YWCA Toronto gathers together as a community to host a vigil to honour and remember these victims.
I continue to be inspired by women leaders across the world. I am more resolved than ever in my commitment that everyone deserves a place at the table, a voice in government, and an opportunity to thrive in safety and prosperity.
As ever,
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Heather McGregor
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Toronto
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Photo | Courtesy of Network of Neighbours and YWCA Ontario |
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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence
#16DaysofActivism Against Gender-based Violence (GBV) begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.
Throughout the 16 days, we will be sharing resources, events and opportunities to take action on GBV.
Together with YWCA Ontario, we have organized a Violence Intervention Training from Network of Neighbours. On November 29, all are welcome to join this free two-hour workshop that will provide the skills and knowledge needed to support someone who may be experiencing violence.
Register for the event here. |
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Accessible Arts
In collaboration with the Art Gallery of Ontario and funding from the Toronto Arts Council, YWCA Toronto’s Inspirations Studio presented The Good Work Art Market on November 19th. The event showcased more than 50 craft makers from diverse accessible arts organizations across Toronto. We were delighted by the turn out. The event was a true celebration of talented artists in our city and the organizations that help individuals find healing through art. It also provided opportunity for artists and organizations to sell their work and meet new audiences.
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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 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.
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Photo | Courtesy of Native Women's Association of Canada |
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Indigenous Community-led Definitions of Safety
A new report from the Native Women’s Association of Canada explores data and perspectives concerning community-led definitions of safety. The content came from family and survivors of the genocide of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse people and outlines nine recommendations.
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Photo | Courtesy of WomanACT
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Can intimate partner violence be a pathway into the criminal justice system for survivors?
Earlier this month, Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (WomanACT), in partnership with Elizabeth Fry Toronto, published a new research project titled: Reducing Stigma: Exploring the intersections between trauma, race and criminalization. The report highlights the relationship between trauma and criminalization among racialized women and explores the dangerous stigma and barriers they face as a result.
One key finding in the report indicates that “53% of women reported that intimate partner violence had directly contributed to their criminalization.”
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The Urgent Home Campaign
The housing crisis in Toronto is getting worse every day, and women, girls, and gender diverse people across the city are some of the most impacted. YWCA Toronto recently launched the Urgent Home Campaign in order to address the dire reality that many in our city are without safe, affordable, supportive housing.
Over 550 people in our community took action by sending our letter to their City Councillor telling them that they believe women, girls, and gender diverse people in this city deserve better.
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Continuing the Conversation Around Treaties in Ontario
Treaties Recognition Week, which is dedicated to helping Ontarians understand and learn about treaty rights and obligations while nurturing relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, was November 6-12.
There are 46 treaties in Ontario, which are agreements made between the First Nations and the Crown. The City of Toronto falls within Treaty 13, which was signed on August 1, 1805.
Although Treaties Recognition Week is over, it is important to continue learning and listening to Indigenous voices.
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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. For a full land acknowledgment, please visit our website.
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