International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day asks us to imagine a world where gender is truly equal – one where we can all collectively embrace equity. United Way Niagara shares this goal and is excited to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in Niagara while also recognizing there is much more work to be done. We can continue to raise awareness about discrimination and take action to make Niagara a more inclusive place for all who live here.

It’s not only enough to want to see changes to these issues in our community, we need to be the spark that ignites real progress right here in Niagara.

None of us come from the same place or share the same experiences. Right here in Niagara, United Way is empowering women and supporting them as they work towards a better life, for themselves and their families. We invest in employment training, local shelters, transitional housing, domestic violence supports, counselling and more – all of which are desperately needed for many of the nearly 50 per cent of single mothers who live in poverty. Single women are more likely to experience inequity, and as such we want to ensure they receive all the support they need.

Single mothers living in poverty are also often the victims of family violence, with nearly 70 per cent of all victims of family violence being women and girls as recently as 2019. By investing in emergency shelters, court support and counselling for victims of domestic violence, we can help vulnerable women start their new life free from abuse. Often times these victims are left without an advocate, someone to support them and lift them up in times of need. That’s where our community can come in to lend a helping hand.

Single women are more likely to experience inequity, and as such we want to ensure they receive all the support they need.

It’s not only enough to want to see changes to these issues in our community, we need to be the spark that ignites real progress right here in Niagara. Just one way local women are getting involved is through the United Way initiative, Women United. Female leaders in communities throughout Canada and the United States have raised over one billion dollars collectively and continue to make an impact with this movement of women supporting women.

This year, we invite you to be the catalyst for change. Let’s celebrate the women in Niagara forging change, elevate women’s empowerment and build communities and workplaces where women can thrive. Share your story using the hashtag #EmbraceEquity. Celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination or make your statement about gender equality. Together our collective efforts can inspire and make a difference for women.