Resources
-
It’s for the girls
Events BY women FOR women in the GTA Courtesy of Vantha Thang Living in a big city can sometimes be very intimidating, especially as a woman. These come with challenges like meeting new people in a safe way, making friends and finding new hobbies. In the Greater Toronto Area, there are so many events that happen daily but they can be scary as you’re surrounded by so many new people. Have you ever wanted to participate in events happening but are more comfortable with something that’s run by women and meant for women? Below are some events run virtually and in person by women who want to help other women.…
-
It’s OK to pivot your career path – and here’s how to do it.
It’s not too late to learn how to pivot your career path! “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a common question children are asked from a young age. You might get answers anywhere from a dinosaur to an astronaut, but many have no clue. For some, a career path is laid out for them. For others, the question is scary: how are you supposed to know from a young age what you want to do until retirement? My answers varied depending on my age. When I was young, I used to say ‘a ballerina’. How blissful would it be to spin around on stage in…
-
Camp Cucumber: With Jennifer Werry
Disadvantaged mothers and their children find refuge at camp **This interview has been edited for length and clarity Jennifer Werry is a director and chair for Camp Cucumber, a registered non-profit charity staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by private and corporate donations. Camp Cucumber is a place for struggling mothers to rest, relax and find peace in Northern Ontario in the last week of June. While attending the camp, they are encouraged to embrace change, meet new friends, challenge themselves and share special moments with their kids. Werry’s involvement with Camp Cucumber is one facet of her long-term commitment to philanthropic endeavours, including chairing fundraising events and developing educational…
-
Understanding and accessing the law
Four organizations providing law resources for women For women, finding legal resources that can cater to their specific needs is crucial. According to the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, women face poverty and pay inequality at much higher rates than men, making engaging with the legal system financially challenging, especially for single, low-income women. Even when women can afford legal assistance, the matters they face are typically unique to their gender. Given that women face higher rates of violent victimization compared to men, their legal issues might include domestic abuse, sexual assault, restraining orders, winning custody, etc. It can be difficult for women affected by these kinds of issues…
-
Eight Ontario Scholarships Available for Women
A look at scholarships female students can apply for Many scholarships offered in Ontario often go unused because students do not apply for them. Some of these scholarships are specifically curated to empower and encourage women to apply to their dream schools. From sports to engineering, here are eight scholarships available for women studying in Ontario. Hydro One Women in Engineering This Hydro One scholarship is offered to women seeking education and wishing to pursue a career in engineering. In addition to a cash award of C$5,000, recipients of the scholarship are also awarded a paid 12 to 16-month developmental position with the company. 10 scholarships are distributed to women…
-
Roe V. Wade: Why Ontarians should care
How the U.S. decision to ban abortion could impact you. In the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court (USSC) decision to void half a century of precedent and overturn the landmark 1973 ruling, Roe v. Wade, many Ontarians find themselves experiencing a wide range of emotions. From heartbreak, re-traumatization, and powerlessness to confusion, curiosity, and concern, many may wonder if the ruling impacts us here in Canada. “I’ve had a pit in my stomach all day after reading about this. As much as someone can argue this doesn’t affect Canadians, it does. It shifts what is acceptable to even debate,” says Sarah Pinch, 21, a recent graduate from the University…
-
Safety in the Six
A woman’s guide to personal safety in Toronto Urban centres are inherently risky spaces to navigate. This risk increases exponentially for those who identify as women, especially those who are alone. According to the 2016 census, Toronto is home to a population of more than two million people, making it the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America. This makes for a bustling, diverse metropolis, but it also raises safety concerns for women living in the city. It is never a woman’s fault if she is attacked or made uncomfortable, but there are ways to combat and/or avoid unwanted advances. The following list covers some…
-
How to make being a freelancer work for you
Whether it’s because of freedom, uncertain employment or other circumstances, more and more Canadians are pursuing freelance work. According to Statistics Canada, there were approximately 1.7 million gig workers in Canada in 2016. This is an increase from almost one million in 2005. This means more than eight per cent of Canadian workers aged 15 and over were in “non-traditional” work arrangements. The number of Canadian freelancers has increased since, but the anxiety workers feel pursuing freelance work hasn’t changed. Many worry about maintaining relationships with clients, fair payment and self-advocacy — but they are not alone. Here are four tips on how to make being a freelance worker work…
-
Indigenous women’s shelters and community resources
Indigenous women’s shelters provide more than just physical shelter — they offer culturally-specific counselling and resources. These shelters are Indigenous-led, with trauma-informed counsellors, Elders, and traditional healing practices. There are 14 Indigenous-specific shelters in Ontario for people fleeing abusive situations. More than 1,550 women and children stayed in these shelters in 2018. There are also 92 general women’s shelters in Ontario for survivors of abuse. More than 14,975 women and children were admitted in these shelters, also in 2018. This list includes some of the Indigenous women’s shelters in Ontario. There is also information on how to support these shelters for those who are able to donate. Atlohsa London, Ont.…
