Power Shift: Women’s Economic Inclusion

2020-03-09T14:51:13-06:00March 9th, 2020|Our View|

Women are ready, willing and able to lead the future of our economy. YW Calgary envisions an inclusive economy where there is an equitable shift in power and resources so people of all genders can: share decision in making within organizations, be compensated fairly and be treated respectfully. On average women make 60% of [...]

Guest Blog: #MeToo and what comes next

2020-02-18T12:17:32-07:00February 18th, 2020|Our View|

In the era of hashtags, wokeness, -isms and anti-, and at the risk of exposing my age, I must ask: Does anyone remember MySpace?! Having experienced a transient upbringing, for me it became a medium to display my teenage angst and keep up with friends in different parts of the world. I strategically chose [...]

YW Celebrates Black History Month

2020-01-29T14:32:29-07:00January 28th, 2020|Our View|

Black History Month, otherwise known as Black Futures Month starts on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Calgary is home to a vibrant and diverse black community that spans continents, cultures and identities. This diversity brings a richness to our community and in celebration of Black History Month we have compiled a list of events for [...]

Stopping Domestic Violence Before it Starts

2020-01-16T14:45:51-07:00January 15th, 2020|Our View|

Domestic abuse can affect any member of the family - parents, children, siblings and extended family or friends. For those experiencing abuse or violence, the impacts last for years – or even lifetimes. It can look like low self-esteem; a sense they don’t deserve or know what a healthy relationship is or causing harm [...]

Rose Campaign and gender-based violence

2019-12-06T11:08:38-07:00December 5th, 2019|Our View|

December 6 is Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day in 1989, 14 young women were murdered at l’Ecole Polytechnique in a targeted attack because they were women. Each year, YWCA's across Canada remember the women and re-commit to taking action on violence against women and [...]

Empowering families this holiday

2019-11-28T16:40:11-07:00November 27th, 2019|Our View|

The holidays are soon upon us and the spirit of giving is in the air. For many, it is time to cozy up by the fireside— but unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury. On any given night, more than 170 women and children sleep at YW Calgary because here they are safe. Like many [...]

A final farewell to YW’s downtown location

2019-11-18T10:23:03-07:00November 16th, 2019|Our View|

This week, the YW team said a final good-bye with mixed emotions to YW's old building downtown. For nearly 50 years, the building located on 5th Avenue supported women and families in Calgary, initially as a hostel then transitional housing. Nearly 7 years ago, YW recognized a need for a new space that better [...]

Understanding Clare’s Law

2019-10-31T16:32:38-06:00October 31st, 2019|Our View|

What is Clare’s Law? In 2009, a woman from the United Kingdom named Clare Wood was killed by her intimate partner, who had a history of being a perpetrator of domestic violence. Following her death, Clare’s family advocated for the introduction of a policy whereby members of the public may request information on someone’s [...]

Fall Provincial Policy Priorities: supporting vulnerable Albertans

2019-10-21T14:24:40-06:00October 21st, 2019|Our View|

This fall’s budget promises to provide direction and clarity on what the provincial government is planning for the months and years to come. The McKinnon Report and the UCP platform have set out some clear priorities related to curbing the costs of healthcare, education, with a keen focus on promoting the economic competitiveness of [...]

Guest blog: the community’s YW

2019-09-09T16:29:02-06:00September 9th, 2019|Our View|

“A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured [...]