When We Stand with Her, We Move Forward Together
Reflecting on Gender Equality Week and the work still ahead
As Canada marks Gender Equality Week, we have an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and recommit to the work still ahead.
For nearly 116 years, YWCA Calgary has worked toward a community where women, girls and gender-diverse people can live safely, thrive economically and participate fully in all aspects of life. This week is an important reminder that advancing gender equality benefits our entire community.
Echoed by the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State.
“Gender equality is about more than fairness. It strengthens our economy, creates safer communities and improves quality of life for everyone,” echoed the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State.
At YWCA Calgary, we see that reality every day.
Whether supporting women and families experiencing domestic violence, helping women build economic independence through employment and financial empowerment programs, providing affordable housing or creating spaces for health and wellness, we see firsthand how removing barriers creates opportunity.
Over the past 15 years, YWCA Calgary has helped bring these conversations about equity and empowerment to our city through the YWHISPER Fundraising Gala. Influential voices including Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, Gloria Allred, Kimberlé Crenshaw and Gloria Steinem have challenged us to imagine a more equitable future while reminding us that progress is built one step at a time.
When Gloria Steinem joined us at the 2nd YWHISPER in 2012 she was asked whether she ever felt discouraged by the pace of change. Her response was simple: “Culture change takes 100 years and I’ve only been at this for 50 years.”
Her words remain as relevant today as they were then.
While significant progress has been made over the past 50 years, we continue to see barriers to safety, housing, economic security and leadership opportunities. Meaningful change takes persistence, partnership and collective action.
At YWCA Calgary, that commitment is reflected in our North Star: Stand With Her.
Standing with her means listening to lived experiences. It means supporting safety, creating pathways to economic opportunity and challenging systems that create inequity. Most importantly, it means recognizing that gender equality is not a women’s issue. It is a community issue.
When women, girls and gender-diverse people are safe, economically secure and able to participate fully in society, everyone benefits.
This Gender Equality Week, we invite Calgarians to consider what it means to Stand With Her. Whether through advocacy, mentorship, allyship, volunteering or donating to organizations advancing equity, each action helps create a future where more people can thrive.
Because when we stand with her, we move forward together.