In recent years, yoga has become part of the cultural mainstream for adults young and old, but did you know there are yoga classes specifically for parents and their toddlers? At the YWCA, we have such a program for women and their children staying in our emergency shelter. Staff have observed the benefits of this [...]

Led by the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) and funded by the Government of Alberta, #IBelieveYou was a public awareness campaign aimed at educating the public on how to better respond to survivors of sexual assault. Through Leger Research, AASAS polled 1001 Albertans before and after the campaign, asking two questions: If someone [...]

On December 6, 1989, 14 women students at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal were killed in an act of gender-based violence. In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It has been 26 year since this tragedy and the issue of gender-based [...]

There are many reasons why a woman might stay in an abusive relationship, and it often comes down to the fact that she does not have the power to leave. These reasons often include lack of financial means, concern for her children, and lack of support. There is another reason why she might stay - her [...]

Largely lost amidst last week’s pundit analysis of Provincial Budget 2015 was recognition of commitments that indicate the needs of marginalized women and their families will - at last - be seen and addressed. Budget 2015 Supporting jobs, Supporting Families. The Alberta Way included a number of positive changes in government-funded programs measures that will [...]

This morning saw a headline about a woman viciously assaulted in her home, in front of her young child, in our city. The only thing surprising is why this particular attack warranted a headline, social media post, police statement or broadcast on the evening news. Certainly other women were beaten and hospitalized at the hands [...]

In the spirit of the electoral season I want to make a promise:  this election will end soon.  And to double down I promise to keep my promise - it really will end. The fact that it is almost over feels like the best part of this dreadful election.  It is tough for me to [...]

Martin Luther King, III is the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. As a political leader, global humanitarian and human rights activist, Mr. King is an ambassador of his parents’ legacy and continues their quest for equality and justice. For nearly 20 years, Mr. King has [...]

On Monday, a mock election for Calgarians experiencing homelessness and poverty was held by the Calgary Homeless Foundation with polling stations at four locations in the city. Between the Calgary Drop-in Centre, Alpha House, The Alex and the YWCA polling stations, nearly 500 people turned up to learn more about the voting process as well [...]