Chances are you know someone working part-time, from contract to contract, or in a low-wage job — and research shows that person is most likely a woman. Across Canada, women account for 70 per cent of part-time employees and 60 per cent of minimum-wage earners. There is a lot at stake for women — and gender […]
It has been a banner year for YWCA Toronto CEO Heather McGregor. In June, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from Ryerson University in recognition of her over 20 years of leadership at YWCA Toronto. Heather’s skill in growing and expanding YWCA programs has improved the lives of women and girls all across our city. […]
Join us in celebrating the achievements and strength of Indigenous women who have received YWCA Toronto’s Women of Distinction Award. This annual award is given to leaders for their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Toronto and around the globe. June 21 is National Aboriginal Day in Canada. Each year, […]
April 11 is Equal Pay Day in Ontario. As women and allies stand together to demand economic justice, it is important to know the statistics: Indigenous women face a gender pay gap of 57 percent. For women with disabilities, the gap is 46 percent; for immigrant women, 39 percent; for racialized women, 32 percent. Women’s […]
As Toronto welcomes refugees, YWCA Toronto helps newcomer women make a strong start. We interviewed Beverly Justin, Coordinator of our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, to gain insights into the program’s impact and the work that remains to support refugee resettlement, and build welcoming communities. What makes you passionate about your role […]
As a queer, Caribbean-Canadian, Black woman, every day my personal is political. I advocate for understanding as an ally and for different perspectives to be shared. I speak up when I see injustice. And I march. I invite you to march with me as part of YWCA Toronto’s delegation at the International Women’s Day march […]
To mark Black History Month, we are taking a look back at Black women who are amongst those honoured with YWCA Toronto’s Women of Distinction Award. This annual award is bestowed upon women who have demonstrated an iron-clad commitment to improving the lives of other girls, women and marginalized groups. It has been going strong […]
YWCA Toronto condemns Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism. We offer our support and solidarity to the Muslim community, in Toronto and across Canada, during this challenging time. Never has there been such an important moment for us all to speak out and take action to counter Islamophobia and racism. We must also call on our elected representatives to […]
Some of the most passionate mental health advocates work in women’s shelters. Women on the front-lines for addressing mental health needs. Women supporting other women to find safety, stability, and empowerment in their lives — in a way, sisterhood embodied. We need to hear their voices as Canada embarks on necessary (and overdue) conversations on […]
There is a lot at stake in this year’s city budget. YWCA Toronto supports new revenue tools to stop unacceptable service cuts, and we urge Council to make a substantial investment in Toronto’s poverty reduction strategy. This is critically important for women in our city, who have disproportionately higher poverty rates. The women we work […]
