Leading the Charge for Gender Equity

Advocacy at YWCA Cambridge Asset 10

Beyond our essential programs, we’re dedicated to creating awareness and eliminating the root causes of gender inequity.

By conducting policy analysis, leading impactful campaigns, or engaging in groundbreaking research, we strive to create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and equal.

Innovative advocacy and initiatives focused on systemic change right here in our city.

Project Willow: Addressing women’s homelessness through community-based research and advocacy.

Gender-Based Violence Workshops: Educating youth on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention.

Learn More

Discover our mission and vision by visiting our About page. Together, we can advance gender equity and build a brighter future.

Our advocacy focuses on:

Child Care

We strive to reinforce the child care sector with a well-compensated workforce, financial accountability, and equitable access to services. Through collaborative action, outreach, and dialogue with governments, we aim to pave the way for a resilient, inclusive future for all children and families.

Women's Economic Wellbeing/Employment

Gender equity in women’s economic well-being is key to building a fair and inclusive society. We advocate for further support of employment skills, financial literacy, and more, which will help vulnerable women and gender-diverse individuals find the confidence to pursue opportunities and overcome obstacles.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention

Through fostering awareness, implementing preventive programs, and addressing systemic issues like poverty or homelessness, we work to eliminate gender-based violence. Our efforts are fueled by the hope of a safe, equitable community that is free of violence, where survivors are respected and supported in their choices.

Girls/Gender-Diverse Youths' empowerment

Empowering girls and gender-diverse youths with the right support, resources, and confidence, is crucial for dismantling gender barriers. By advocating for their opportunities and increasing their access to knowledge about feminism and gender equity, youth can lead the change they want to see in the world and challenge societal biases.

Women's Homelessness

By lobbying for housing solutions and researching the impact of gender-based violence, inadequate housing, and limited support on women’s homelessness, we advocate for increased gender equity in our community and across Canada. Our efforts include making cases for more transitional housing and shelters for women and gender-diverse individuals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions and increased resources.

YWCA Ontario Coalition

YWCA Ontario is a provincial coalition of YWCA Member Associations that serves more than 40,000 people annually across Ontario. As a member, we collaboratively promote gender equity by advocating for social assistance, safe housing, better work conditions, and strategies to eliminate gender-based violence. Committed to dismantling systemic barriers, this coalition strives for equality for women and often focuses on addressing inequities worsened by the pandemic.