-
Climate Change, Care Work and Women: Ontario’s Overlooked Crisis
As climate change intensifies across Ontario, its impact is being felt far beyond melting ice caps and rising temperatures. A quieter but growing crisis is emerging in the unpaid/underpaid care sector, where women, particularly racialized, immigrant and low-income women shoulder the brunt of environmental disruption. This intersection of climate change and care work remains largely overlooked in policy discussions, yet it is increasingly shaping the lives and livelihoods of thousands of women in the province. Care work, including child care, elder care and domestic responsibilities, is deeply gendered. According to a 2022 report by Statistics Canada, women perform nearly twice as much unpaid care work as men. This burden increases…
-
Impact of Domestic Violence on Women in Ontario and How Support Systems Help Survivors Regain Their Power
Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue across Ontario, affecting thousands of women each year and leaving long-term impacts on their physical, emotional and economic well-being. While public awareness around intimate partner violence has grown, the need for responsive, accessible and survivor-centered support systems continues to be urgent. Domestic violence against women can take many forms, often occurring simultaneously. Below are the main types of domestic violence women may experience: According to data from Statistics Canada, approximately 44 per cent of women who have been in an intimate partner relationship have experienced some form of psychological, physical or sexual abuse. In Ontario, shelters and crisis lines report consistent demand, with many…
-
Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Female and Gender-Diverse Political Leaders in Ontario
Ontario has witnessed a remarkable transformation in political leadership over the past few decades, as women continue to take their place in positions of power once dominated by men. From grassroots activism to holding the highest offices in the province, female politicians in Ontario are reshaping the political landscape, advocating for equity, inclusion and community-driven policy. The Feb. 27, 2025 Ontario election brought fresh faces among female and gender-diverse representatives to the province’s legislature, alongside historic milestones in leadership roles. Catherine McKenney Elected in the 2025 general election, Catherine McKenney transitioned from Ottawa City Council to the Ontario legislature, representing Ottawa Centre for the New Democratic Party (NDP). Non-binary and…
-
Women’s Mental Health in Ontario: Access, Barriers and Support Networks
By Madhvi Jha Mental health is not just the absence of illness, it’s about how we think, feel and behave. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Just like physical health, mental health is something we all have, and it needs attention and care at every stage of life. In Ontario, a growing mental health crisis is disproportionately affecting women especially young, low-income, racialized and marginalized groups. Despite growing public awareness and government pledges, many women continue to face long wait times, fragmented care and limited access to culturally relevant support. Mental health experts, advocates and women with lived experience say that systemic changes are…
