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The importance of women’s health care
Reproductive and sexual health care resources for women in Ontario. Courtesy of reproductive health supplies coalition Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care is fundamental in promoting women’s well-being and general autonomy as people. In Ontario, a wide array of services and resources are available to support women with their sexual and reproductive health needs. Contraception and family planning Family planning services are necessary for women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Ontario offers various resources, including clinics and sexual health centres, where women can access contraceptive counselling, education and prescriptions for birth control methods. These services aim to support women in choosing the contraceptive method that…
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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.…
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Three female politicians making a difference in Ontario
The women pushing significant and positive change for the province and its citizens. It wasn’t until the 1900s that women became involved — marginally — in this realm. In fact, it took until 1921 for the first woman to be elected into the House of Commons in Canada. As a result, female involvement in politics remained limited and/or discounted for a long time, ensuring that, until very recently, women who wanted to be leaders of change in their communities could not do so. Today, women can vote, join political parties and even be elected into office. In June 2022, 47 women and non-binary people were elected to the Ontario legislature,…
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On-screen female relationships: The good, the bad and the ugly
A look at positive female friendships in the media and why they matter. Media can have an incredible influence, especially on young, impressionable minds. TV shows and movies teach young people what to wear, how to flirt, how to be funny and how to be in relationships of all kinds. The influence that TV and movies have on this susceptible demographic is remarkable, but potentially harmful. Consider, for example, the types of platonic female relationships we’ve seen on screen in the recent past and the fact that young girls subconsciously absorb the dynamics that are normalized in the media. In the media, female friendships have long been depicted as shallow,…
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Femtech: Technology for women’s health matters
How the Canadian technology industry is providing resources for women’s health and the companies involved. Femtech is a general term that encompasses all technology that supports women’s health. This includes products, diagnostics and software. These technologies primarily focus on health issues that specifically affect women, non-binary and trans people. This website lists all the companies specializing in Femtech, related resources and a portal where any companies wanting to enter the industry can apply for aid. The site also boasts one-on-one sessions, a Slack community and events for individuals to come together and discuss the future of Femtech. Rachel Bartholomew, the founder of Hyivy (a company focused on promoting women’s pelvic…
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10 Female-founded beauty brands from Ontario
Want to support local brands and look good doing it? Ontario is home to many women-owned beauty brands that are working to make the industry to be more inclusive, sustainable and cruelty-free. Supporting small beauty businesses will not only empower and support female entrepreneurs across Ontario but also help local economies to thrive. Even better is purchasing products from companies that you can feel good about supporting. Listed below are 10 beauty brands to look out for. Cheekbone In 2015, Jenn Harper, an Anishinaabe-Canadian from St. Catharines, Ont. awoke in the middle of the night with the idea to start making lip gloss. At the time, Harper was working in…
