Advocacy
ADVOCACY
at the
YWCA Muskoka
National Advocacy
YWCA Muskoka is one of 29 YWCA Canada member associations across the country. Led by YWCA Canada, national advocacy efforts are conducted to end gender-based violence; implement national child care; achieve economic equality and end homelessness for women, youth and gender diverse people.
Ontario Advocacy
YWCA Muskoka is also part of The YWCA Ontario Coalition made up of YW member associations across the province. Together, we engage in systemic advocacy to advance substantive gender and racial equality in our province. Combined, we serve more than 50,000 people every year across Ontario.
Local Advocacy
YWCA Muskoka conducts ongoing advocacy at the municipal level that is centered around the individuals we serve and rooted in educating our community leaders, partners and the broader Muskoka community about the barriers and challenges they face and the importance of investing in programs that ensure everyone can thrive.
Here's the latest...
October 15, 2024 - During the third week of October, YWCAs observe Week Without Violence. This is a National and World YWCA movement to end gender-based violence in every space where it occurs.
We know that there is a deep connection between online and offline hate speech and violence against women, girls and gender diverse people in all their diversity. We all have the right to be our truest selves, to explore and express ourselves safely and free from violence, whether in digital spaces or in our neighbourhoods.
In our local youth programs we hear many examples of gender-based violence. It’s unwanted attention over physical appearance. It’s feeling unsafe walking down the street. It’s not feeling safe at school for showing up as themselves. It’s people not respecting pronouns and chosen names. It’s teens that are victims of sexual assault and harrassment. It’s bullying - online and at school.
One of our YWCA Muskoka pillars in preventing gender-based violence. It is why we do the work we do. It's at the core of our youth programs. It's woven throughout our women's programming. It's why we have the National Emergency Survivor Support (NESS) Fund.
Together, we must all stand in solidarity with survivors of technology-facilitated and gender-based violence and take action to end violence on our screens and on our streets.
August 14 - Representatives from the YWCA Ontario coalition presented to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy which is currently studying Intimate Partner Violence. This committee was struck following the Ontario government passing Bill 173: Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic through second reading and referring it to the Justice Committee for review.
YWCA Ontario was represented by Medora Uppal, CEO of YWCA Hamilton, Heather McGregor, CEO of YWCA Toronto, and Elisabeth Zimmerman, ED of YWCA Niagara Region.
April 2024 - YWCA Muskoka wrote to MPP Graydon Smith regarding Bill 173, The Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2024, which requires the Government of Ontario to recognize that intimate partner violence (IPV) is an epidemic in Ontario.
YWCA Muskoka is part of a larger Ontario Coalition of YWCAs across the province who have been working closely with sector partners for many years to address gender-based violence.
YWCA Muskoka is also involved in Muskoka's Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART).
As it stands now, Bill 173 passed second reading and has been referred to the Justice Policy Committee. While we are pleased to see the Government has indicated the intent to have the Justice Committee tour the province and research the impacts of intimate partner violence, our hope is that they will simultaneously begin implementing existing recommendations to address this violence, including passing Bill 173 through third reading and royal assent.
Detailed in this letter are the recommendations that pertain specifically to our organization's work in Muskoka - particularly around prevention work that can be done to address Intimate Partner Violence and Gender Based Violence long term.
February 16, 2024 - The YWCA Muskoka Board of Directors wrote a letter to Muskoka Parry Sound MPP, Graydon Smith, to express our deep concern on the impact that Muskoka Algonquin Health Care’s proposal to re-locate services to their proposed site in Huntsville and the impact this will have on the people of South Muskoka - particularly women. As an organization that champions positive change for girls, women and gender diverse people, our concerns are two fold:
- The detrimental effect that moving the obstetrical services to Huntsville will have on the women of South Muskoka.
- The very real threat that many of our highly experienced family doctors, who have an interest in the practice of community obstetrics and supporting families, will leave our community.
October 3-4, 2023 - the YWCA Muskoka team participated in YWCA’s Day on the Hill and One Movement Meeting in Ottawa. We advocated for a $600 million investment from the Canadian Government for the renewal of the Women and Children's Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. The proposal also included an expansion to incorporate permanent affordable housing for women, gender-diverse individuals, and their families.
The YWCA Muskoka team met with three parliamentary representatives, including our local MP, Scott Aitchison. Our discussions, echoing those held by numerous YWCA members holding similar meetings that day, created vital dialogues on the pressing housing crisis and the necessary steps for transformative change.
Our second day in Ottawa focused on capacity building and networking activities. These sessions provided a platform for attendees to share successes, voice challenges in a supportive environment, and exchange knowledge. We had the privilege of hearing from Jacqueline O’Neill, Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security. Additionally, we participated in a workshop on bridging advocacy and healing justice in our movement to end gender-based violence, facilitated by Yamikani Msosa, Executive Director of the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence against Women.
On this same day, YWCA had planned to participate in the Sisters in Spirit Vigil organized by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). The purpose was to honor the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse+ (WG2STGD+) individuals, and express solidarity with grieving families. Unfortunately, due to safety concerns arising from potential threats by the far-right movement, the event had to be called off. Nevertheless, recognizing that the safety of everyone involved takes precedence, we followed the organizers' lead and contributed in any way we could. In response, we joined NWAC's organizational space, engaging in a faceless doll workshop and listening to the impactful words of NWAC representatives during a vigil dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous peoples.
September 20, 2023 - YWCA Ontario Statement on 2SLGBTQIA+ Solidarity
YWCA Ontario believes in fostering a society where all women, girls, and gender diverse people can thrive. Collectively, we work tenaciously to break down barriers that perpetuate systemic inequity and gender inequality. YWCA Ontario’s work includes creating safer spaces for people of all gender and sexual orientations including Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and additional sexually and gender diverse people (2SLGBTQIA+).
The recent rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric and pushback against gender equity and inclusion has been alarming. At school, at work, and at home, all people should feel safe to be their most authentic selves. We denounce bigotry and hate in all its forms and our commitment to working towards a world where the rights of Trans and gender diverse people are permanently upheld is unwavering. There is no future for gender equality, equity, or justice without the inclusion and support of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
2022
Nov. 7, 2022 - This week, the Ontario government passed legislation invoking the Notwithstanding Clause. This decision not only overrides rights laid out in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but threatens to fine individuals and unions who choose to strike while forcibly imposing a four-year contract.
YWCA Ontario supports the 55,000 education workers in Ontario, who are predominantly women, and opposes the Ontario government’s decision to use the notwithstanding clause to override constitutionally protected labour rights.
We support workers’ rights to fair collective bargaining. We do not support anti-labour legislation that poses a grim threat to the lowest-paid education workers across our province. Education workers, who support the youngest members of our community, deserve to be paid an adequate wage. Education workers ensure schools are safe for children, ensuring that students receive the critical care and support they need. Education workers are essential workers and are vital to our society. It is critical that their labour is respected, recognized and fairly compensated.
We encourage the Ontario government to negotiate and not legislate.
Oct. 2022 - YWCA Muskoka advocates in Ottawa
This October, members of YWCA Muskoka joined other YWCA Member Associations from across Canada to spend a "Day on the Hill" advocating for a gendered lens to be put on the affordable housing crisis. We met with MPs (including MP Scott Aitchison for Parry Sound-Muskoka who is now the Shadow Minister for Housing and Diversity and Inclusion), Senators and other influential organizations to advocate for two main asks as a national movement:
- Increased funding under the National Housing Strategy for a grants-based system to fully fund shelter, transitional housing and permanent affordable housing specifically dedicated to women and gender-diverse people, including wrap-around services and supports;
- Develop a national definition of homelessness that reflects the unique causes, conditions, and experiences of homelessness for diverse women, girls, and gender diverse people.
We also had the honour of joining the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) for the Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigils to honour the lives of Indigenous women, gender-diverse, two-spirit, and transgender people who have been murdered or gone missing as part of what a National Inquiry has determined to be a genocide.
Want to join the movement? Become a Member of YWCA Muskoka today to help champion positive change for women and girls.
Sept. 6, 2022 - The YWCA Ontario Coalition submitted a letter to Minister Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, indicating our coalition’s desire and willingness to be a part of the consultative efforts to develop the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence. Read the letter here.
May, 2022 - YWCA Ontario Campaign Urges Political Candidates to “Choose Gender Equity."
April 2022 - YWCA Ontario’s Response to 2022 Provincial Budget - With a provincial election looming, YWCA Ontario hoped to see a range of critical investments in women and gender-diverse people in the budget delivered yesterday by Ontario Minister of Finance, Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy. However, while the 2022 budget poses a record $198.6 billion spending plan, the investments fall short of addressing the troubling rise in gender-based poverty and inequity in the province. Read more>>>
2021
Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 - The YWCA Ontario Coalition of 11 Member Associations from across this province watched the Fall Economic Statement for signs of progress in this direction. While we welcome its mission to ‘Build Ontario’ and ‘Work for Workers,’ we did not see any indication of the bold, transformative action that is required to see women enter or re-enter the workforce in ways that will address this province’s dire labour shortages and stimulate our economy. Read the full statement here.
October 13, 2021 - We Need a Plan to End Ontario's She-cession: The YWCA Ontario Coalition and more than 30 community advocates support open letter to the Province to demand a concrete plan that includes:
- Investment in long-term, sustainable, gender-focused upskilling and training to help women access well-paying jobs;
- Signing on to the federal child care plan to create a public and non-profit-led, universal, high-quality, affordable child care system; and,
- Enactment of standards for decent work conditions to improve labour and employment standards in feminized industries.
September 2021 - A Federal Election is just around the corner and YWCA Muskoka Executive Director, Hannah Lin, sent the following letter to the candidates in Parry Sound-Muskoka. The letter brings our voice to what our sister YWs - including YWCA Canada - have been advocating for over the past year and aligns with our values and mission as a feminist organization. The letter also includes some helpful links you may be interested in. Read here>>>
June 21, 2021- The YWCA Ontario Coalition issued this letter to federal Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra. We hope he will be receptive to our call for a national, affordable public transportation system in Canada to ensure the safety of community members who face poverty and gender-based violence. Read here>
May 4, 2021 - YWCA Muskoka is proud to join over 100 feminist and social justice organizations across Canada in declaring our support for trans inclusion and trans rights. Supporting the rights of trans people is essential to protecting ALL women from violence and discrimination.
Read YWCA Canada's official statement here
On March 8, 2021, The YWCA Ontario Coalition, along with 10 other provincial stakeholders, supported The Toronto Youth Cabinet and released a joint statement calling on the Ontario government to ensure free menstrual products are available in all Ontario elementary & secondary schools by the end of 2021: TYC Joint Statement on Promoting Menstrual Equity in Ontario Schools (thetyc.ca)
YWCA Ontario 2021-2022 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission
An Equitable, Gender-Responsive Budget
February 12, 2021
YWCA Ontario is a provincial coalition of YWCA Member Associations. We offer a range of housing programs and services including Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters, employment and training programs, community supports, child care services, and girls’ programs – all designed to address the needs of women, girls, and gender-diverse people and their families. We also engage in systemic advocacy to advance substantive gender and racial equality in our province. Combined, we serve more than 50,000 people every year across Ontario.
We are presenting this submission during the second provincewide shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic – one that has failed to institute meaningful supports for women and families. While the Province has made efforts to support VAW shelters, families and businesses, we have not seen the kinds of additional funds required to support people to safely stay at home and to help working women with school age children remain in the workforce. We also continue to be concerned about the situation facing women fleeing violence, as well as the lack of affordable housing in Ontario to help survivors of violence rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
2020: Covid-19 Impacts and Resources
Below you will find links to a gendered approach to advocacy efforts around COVID-19:
Mar. 14, 2020 -
We enourage you to read this article from The Canadian Women's Foundation about the Gendered Impacts of Coronavirus.
July 28, 2020: There is no recovery if we leave women, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people behind. Canada could see the biggest rollback of women’s rights and gender equity if left unchecked. READ YWCA CANADA'S A Feminist Economic Recovery Plan for Canada
March 2021: The Institute for Gender and Economy (GATE) at the Rotman School of Business Case Study on the YWCA response to Covid19
March 18, 2020: YWCA Canada supports investment of $50 million in COVID-19 relief to ensure essential services keep doors open
March 13, 2020: A Message from YWCA Canada’s CEO, Maya Roy - Let’s come together during COVID-19
March 26, 2020: Article from Metroland Muskoka: Fear coronavirus could cause rise in domestic abuse in Parry Sound-Muskoka
2019 and earlier
Muskoka, April 8, 2019 - A group of local residents concerned about the cuts to women’s programs in Ontario protested in front of Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller’s Manitoba Street office.
Protest organizer Leda Story says local funding cuts made by the Ford Government include YWCA Muskoka's Women In Business Program, self-employment and entrepreneurial skills programs and various local boys and girls programs.
The protesters are members of the YWCA Muskoka, the Grandmothers To Grandmothers Group, which is part of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and various local arts groups.
2018 - YWCA Muskoka Project Coordinator, Krishma Goraya, along with representatives from YWCA Toronto and YWCA Hamilton spoke on a panel advocating for investment in affordable child care, girls' programming, and safe, affordable housing ahead of the 2018 provincial election. This event was part of the Women Vote for Action campaign initiated by the Ontario Coalition of YWCAs calling on Party Leaders to put issues of gender equity front and centre.
June 17, 2017
Read the petition addresses to the Premier by one of our own participants titled "Mandatory Indigenous Studies petition" by Amanda Steel-Coke.
Fairly Foul Pocket Guide
Katie Ungard & YWCA Muskoka's Fairly Foul Project; Chemicals, Cosmetics and YOU, was designed to engage youth and all cosmetic users, particularly those living in Canada, to be aware of the contents of the cosmetics they use. This film highlights the connections between cosmetic products and an individuals health and well-being. Read here>>>
