A world in which girls, women and gender-diverse people thrive in a safe and
equitable society.
YWCA Muskoka champions positive change for girls, women and gender diverse
people through education, leadership and advocacy.*
The YW Muskoka is built on four robust and interdependent pillars. Programs
and services connected to any single pillar are designed to support the other
pillars as well so that we convey a consistent message of hope, security, and
dignity for all.
Building Relationships
YWCA Muskoka is a proud and integral part of a global YWCA movement. We know we don’t do this work in isolation and are stronger for the intersections - YWCA Muskoka is recognized as an active and innovative member association of YWCA Canada and a go-to organization within the regional community. As a Community YWCA, we work collaboratively on grassroots action locally and contribute to the advocacy efforts of our national office.
Cultivating Economic Resilience
Since the beginning we have focused on self-employment training for women living in a rural area with few sustainable employment opportunities. Over the past 10 years, we have broadened to include community-based poverty reduction initiatives, fraud prevention and financial literacy, as women in our community have been disproportionately affected. This is still a really powerful educational focus area for addressing gender based violence.
Preventing Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence and Human trafficking are growing concerns in Muskoka.
Alongside Muskoka’s shelter agencies and crisis responders, YWCA Muskoka
maintains a strong presence as a prevention-focused service provider. We
advocate and reach audiences through Girlz Unplugged, Quest programs,
women’s programs and community-based events. The December 6th Fund,
established in 2010 and one of our key safety measures for those in danger, has
evolved to include NESS fund grants and also provides system navigation support.
Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing
If we hope to achieve holistic wellbeing for all, we need a new systems approach
that models the future we want to live in. Our programs must help participants
to build healthy relationships, mental and emotional health and interdependence. We must develop our expertise in creating safer spaces and programs that lift people up. Our staff and volunteers must feel valued and inspired to stretch their understanding of diversity, intersectionality and anti-colonial practices. As the YWMuskoka moves closer to achieving its collective goals, it will do so with attention to prioritizing care, finding balance, developing confidence and competence, and respecting individual aspirations.
*YWCA Muskoka refers to women and girls, and is inclusive of Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse people.
Watch the 2023 YWCA Muskoka video here. Video Credit: Sawmill Creative
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