Resources
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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Life after abuse: Resources for support
The effects of abuse can linger with a survivor for years after leaving an abusive relationship. It can take up to five years for women who have experienced abuse to regain their self-esteem. Victims often report dealing with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The path to recovery can be difficult, but it can be easier with the right support system. To uphold safety and ensure recovery in the future, there are many Ontario-based resources and support services for survivors. Transitional housing It can be difficult to leave an abusive relationship if victims do not have any other accommodations. To address this issue, there are many temporary…
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Hijab-friendly salons
For many women, choosing a new hairstyle is their biggest challenge at the salon. For Hijabi women, finding a salon with privacy can be an even bigger challenge. Canada is home to more than a million people who identify as Muslim, according to Statistics Canada. Observant Muslim women who wear head coverings don’t show their hair to men other than their husbands and close relatives. Salons tend to either have male hairstylists present or non-private facilities. It can be difficult for a Hijabi woman to find an accommodating salon. To support each other in the community, blogs such as Hijabs&More share Hijabi hair care tips. Brands such as Antrim Cosmetic…
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The art of solo safety
How to stay safe living alone as a woman
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5 Ontario literary magazines accepting work from women writers
Are you a writer looking to publish your poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction? Take a look at these Ontario-based literary magazines featuring female writers. These magazines all accept unsolicited work, which means you can submit your writing without an invitation or request from the editors. Before submitting your writing to these publications, we recommend you read previous issues to get a feel for the writing style they accept. These magazines can receive anywhere from hundreds to thousands of submissions per year, so make sure your work is a good fit to increase your chance of acceptance. Canthius Canthius is a feminist literary arts magazine from Ottawa. They accept poetry, fiction,…