Since 1873, YWCA Canada has been at the forefront of protecting and advancing the rights of women, girls, and gender diverse people across the country.

Through a coordinated effort across 6 Impact Drivers, we are actively advancing gender equity:

1. Ending Gender-Based Violence (Prevention & Intervention)
2. Building Women-Led Housing (Shelters & Affordable Housing)
3. Championing Childcare & Women’s Wellbeing (Afterschool Care, Newcomer Services & Wellness Programs)
4. Achieving Economic Equity (Employment & Re-Skilling Programs)
5. Empowering Diverse Young Leaders (Youth Programs & Leadership Opportunities)
6. Informing & Shaping Our Feminist Future (Research, Education, Public Policy & Advocacy)

Achieving gender equity requires a comprehensive, expansive, and sustained approach. With 29 distinct YWCAs spanning Canada, we collectively drive impact through shared goals, aiming to achieve gender equity for all women, girls, and gender diverse individuals. Annually, YWCAs support over 330,000 people, operate 35 shelters, and manage more than 2,500 housing units. Each night, we provide shelter to 1,200 individuals, establishing ourselves as the leading provider of gender-based violence shelters, the largest gender-focused employment service provider, and the second largest childcare operator in Canada.

Through community action to address immediate needs and national advocacy and research to catalyze systemic change, our unique approach advances our vision of a future where empowered women, girls, and gender diverse individuals thrive in a safe and equitable society.