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“This is your future, and you must have an
opportunity to shape it."
~ Sima Bahous, Executive Director of United Nations Women
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
July 20th marked the one year anniversary of the City of Toronto supporting our collective calls for action and unanimously passing a motion to declare gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic. The declaration was derived from the first of 86 recommendations of the 2022 Culleton, Kuzyk and Warmerdam (CKW) inquest in Renfrew Country.
Over the past year, we have witnessed the power of community action. Ninety-five municipalities across the province responded to calls and declared GBV and/or IPV an epidemic.
Initially, the Ontario Government rejected the first of the 86 recommendations but after persistent advocacy by survivors, gender-based violence organizations and other advocates, the government shifted its position and agreed to support Bill 173: Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, passing it through second reading and deferring it to the Justice Policy Committee. Read our full response to Bill 173’s second reading.
We urge the province to lead on this issue now! Please check out our Toronto Star op-ed published yesterday.
Warmly,
Jasmine Ramze Rezaee
Director of Advocacy and Communications
YWCA Toronto
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Photo | Courtesy of Sami Pritchard | |
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Vigil to End Gender Based Violence
On June 28th, Sami Pritchard, Manager of Advocacy, joined advocates, community members and survivors in Barry’s Bay for the ‘Because of You: Vigil to End Gender Based Violence’ in recognition of the second anniversary of the Culleton, Kuzyk and Warmerdam (CKW) inquest.
This year’s gathering included a panel discussion where advocates reflected on the work that has been done to support the implementation of the 86 recommendations, and the progress to come.
Following the panel, attendees circled a beautiful pebble mosaic, participating in a vigil to honour Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam, and all those affected by intimate partner violence.
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YWCA Toronto’s Skilled Trades
Are you looking for a career in the skilled trades? Have you considered starting as a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter? YWCA Toronto’s free Tile, Terrazzo and Marble Setter Trade School (TTMTS) program offers a unique pre-apprenticeship training program for women and gender diverse people.
Participants gain access to health and safety training with certifications, academic upgrading, job preparedness, career counselling, and much more.
The summer session starts on July 29, 2024. To register, complete the form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JMX7NWJ.
For more information, email skilledtrades@ywcatoronto.org or call 416.964.3883.
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Photo | Courtesy of Pexels by Liza Summer | |
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Exciting Volunteer Opportunities Available!
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people?
We are looking for passionate volunteers to fill various roles, including Hair Stylists, Sewing and Knitting Instructors, Yoga Instructors, Workshop Facilitators, and Arts & Crafts leaders.
If you are interested in lending your skills and time to support our mission, email your resume to jjeyaseelan@ywcatoronto.org. Successful applicants will need to complete a police record check.
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Photo | Courtesy of Community Food Centres Canada | |
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Poverty in Our Communities
Food Security Now is a nifty virtual tool created by Community Food Centres Canada that features key stats about poverty, food insecurity and housing affordability in your federal riding. Much of the data can be further disaggregated by race, disability, age etc. All you need to do is type in your address!
Find out what poverty and food insecurity looks like in your community and email your Member of Parliament to invest in income security.
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Photo | Courtesy of The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario | |
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Make Housing Affordable in Ontario
The Taking Action Together: Five Ways to Make Homes Affordable in Ontario report shares five action areas, complete with recommendations to government, that suggest what can be done to address Ontario’s housing crisis.
Read the report and find out how you can take action today!
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Photo | Courtesy of York University | |
2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada: Improving Livelihood and Social Wellbeing Study
The 2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada: Improving Livelihood and Social Wellbeing study is the first national study exploring how the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is impacted by poverty. The study will create an action plan for policy makers, governmental agencies and nonprofit and private organizations to address 2SLGBTQIA+ poverty.
If you identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, are 16 years of age or older, and live in Canada consider sharing your experience here.
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Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Hate Workshop
Recently, we hosted a virtual workshop entitled, Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Hate as an Existential Threat to Women’s Rights and Gender Justice, featuring Fae Johnston, Executive Director of Wisdom2Action and Momentum. This event allowed YWCA Toronto staff to discuss the resurgence of homophobia and transphobia, and learn effective strategies to build community, bridge division and develop safer and more equitable communities for women and gender diverse people.
Join the call to address rising hate against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and send a letter to your Member of Parliament urging them to support Rainbow Equality!
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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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