Our View – The YW Blog
December 2015
Shedding light on violence against women
On December 6, 1989, 14 women students at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal were killed in an act of gender-based violence. In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of[...]
November 2015
Family violence prevention includes the four-legged variety
There are many reasons why a woman might stay in an abusive relationship, and it often comes down to the fact that she does not have the power to leave. These reasons often include lack[...]
Provincial Budget 2015 highlights
Largely lost amidst last week’s pundit analysis of Provincial Budget 2015 was recognition of commitments that indicate the needs of marginalized women and their families will - at last - be seen and addressed. Budget[...]
October 2015
One headline a far cry from reality of abuse
This morning saw a headline about a woman viciously assaulted in her home, in front of her young child, in our city. The only thing surprising is why this particular attack warranted a headline, social[...]
On Women, Elections & Respect: Why women need to vote in this federal election
In the spirit of the electoral season I want to make a promise: this election will end soon. And to double down I promise to keep my promise - it really will end. The fact[...]
A spotlight on Martin Luther King, III
Martin Luther King, III is the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. As a political leader, global humanitarian and human rights activist, Mr. King is an[...]
September 2015
Affordable housing voted top issue by the vulnerable
On Monday, a mock election for Calgarians experiencing homelessness and poverty was held by the Calgary Homeless Foundation with polling stations at four locations in the city. Between the Calgary Drop-in Centre, Alpha House, The[...]
A decade of walking
We asked some YWCA staff members and past walkers: What was a standout moment for you at a WALK A MILE event over the past 10 years? "For me, it is just before all the[...]
August 2015
A decade of walking
In honour of the YWCA of Calgary WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® 10th anniversary, we thought it would be fun to showcase the evolution of the legendary event where men walk in high heels[...]
Why does he choose to hit her?
It is a question almost always asked of a woman living in the perils of an abusive relationship. “Why does she stay?” The question not often asked is, “Why does he choose to hit her?”[...]
Cecil demolition: a responsible decision
Today the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation – the new owners of the storied Cecil Hotel – have announced the 1911 building will come down. We won’t be sad to see the Cecil - which for[...]
July 2015
Universal Child Care benefit fails to create shared benefit
With today’s payout of increased baby bonuses to an estimated four million families, we’re reminded again of the difference between what’s equal and what’s equitable. The expanded Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB), enacted by the[...]
Calgary ranks third worst city to be a woman in Canada
Calgary ranked #23 – or third worst - on a list of the 25 best and worst cities in Canada to be a woman, in a new report released today by the Canadian Centre for[...]
Corralling our video reactions
Somewhere over the years in the midst of the horses and country music, an increase in alcohol consumption and blatant sexism became prominent components of our annual celebration of western culture, the Calgary Stampede. This[...]
June 2015
Alberta’s minimum wage increase addresses poverty, women’s equality
As Calgary’s largest and longest serving women’s organization, we are focused each day on our vision of “women thriving in a safe and equitable community.” Through our front line work providing emergency shelter, housing, counseling[...]
Truth and Reconciliation – We each have a role
For over a century, the central goals of Canada’s Aboriginal policy were to eliminate Aboriginal governments; ignore Aboriginal rights; terminate the Treaties; and, through a process of assimilation, cause Aboriginal peoples to cease to exist[...]
May 2015
Reflections on my experience in a shelter
On May 7, Ayesha Hasaan joined us along with 50 other participants for our YWCA Keep A Roof Over Their Heads® fundraising event, where participants spend one night on a cot in our Winter Emergency[...]
It can start at the top
You cannot be what you cannot see. So goes the motto for the 2011 documentary Miss Representation. Through a critical analysis of media portrayals, the film highlights the criticality of role models in encouraging young[...]