ADVOCACY at the
YWCA MUSKOKA

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.  READ MORE...

YWCA Muskoka is participating in a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence – Community Engagement Initiative

Read more about the Initiative on YWCA Canada's website

COVID-19 - Impacts and Resources

YWCA Muskoka is working in partnership with YWCA Canada and other YWCA Member Associations across Canada to navigate these unprecedented times and the effect it will have on the women, youth and families we serve.

As a women-serving organization, we are acutely aware of the unique impacts COVID-19 will have on women around the globe, here in Canada and in our own community.

We enourage you to read this article from The Canadian Women's Foundation about the Gendered Impacts of Coronavirus.

Below you will find links to a gendered approach to advocacy efforts around COVID-19:

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 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 
March 27, 2020: TAKE ACTION and advocate for the need to address gender-based violence, improve access to economic security and invest in essential services for women.
April 17, 2020:  TAKE ACTION - YWCA Canada needs Funding to Fight the Spread of COVID-19 and Protect Gender Equity

All Candidates Debate

YWCA Muskoka co-hosted a community-based event with Muskoka Conservancy and support from YWCA Canada to draw attention to environmental concerns, women's rights and gender equity.

Protest Against Ford Government Cuts To Local Women's Programs

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.

#NOTokay Campaign

Advocacy From Our Youth

Read the petition addresses to the Premier by one of our own participants titled "Mandatory Indigenous Studies petition".

Mandatory Indigenous Studies petition by Amanda Steel-Coke (253 KB)

 

Fairly Foul

Katie Ungard & YWCA Muskoka's Fairly Foul Project; Chemicals, Cosmetics and YOU, was designed to engage young women, particularly those living in Canada, to be aware of the contents of the cosmetics they use. This film highlights the connections between women, their cosmetic products and their health.
Whats in your makeup?

Fairly Foul Pocket Guide (22033 KB)

Fairly Foul Zine (21516 KB)

 

ADVOCACY YWCA CANADA

Budget 2018: A win for women. A win for Canada.

A gender-lens on the Federal Budget is a win for women, families, and Canada 27 February 2018
Today’s federal budget announcement recognizes the urgent need to address key equality issues for women, says YWCA Canada, the country’s oldest and largest women's multi-service organization. Maintaining the commitment to quality, affordable child care, and the introduction of Use it or Lose It parental leave...  read more

YWCA Day on the Hill 2018

Pamela Steel, Kazlo Hamilton, Amanda Steel-Coke, Jiana Cutting, Sheryl Manolakos and Hannah Lin with MP Ruby Sahota		Pamela Steel and Jiana Cutting with Olivia Chow

YWCA Day on the Hill 2017

YWCA Canada One Movement	Pamela Steel, Hannah Lin, Kyley Duncan with MP Tony Clement	YWCA Muskoka delegation with the Honorable Myriam Monsef Minister of Status of Women