Over the years, I've talked to many women who have found the courage to escape violence.
Every one of those conversations reminds me of the power of ending the silence. We must continue to talk about violence against women.
We must continue to speak up, even if we are met with disinterest, denial, hostility, or victim-blaming. We must let women know help is available, and that they will be heard and believed. And we must continue to share our own stories.
On May 8, a handful of brave women and men shared their personal stories of violence during Morning for Hope on Breakfast Television and select Rogers radio stations across Canada. Staff from local shelters explained how they help women and children to rebuild their lives. Our volunteers and donors talked about their personal reasons for working to end the violence.Thousands of Canadians like you were moved to action by these stories, and phoned in their support.
Thanks to your generosity, our ninth annual campaign to end violence against women raised over $2 million for shelters and violence prevention services, and donations are still arriving every day!
Thank you for speaking out for women and girls, and for bringing hope to those in need.
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THE POWER OF VOICE
Thanks to you, young women in Ottawa who have experienced sexual or physical violence are finding their voice.  | |
Empowering Young Women
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The Young Women at Risk program is designed for young mothers, aged 14 to 24, and is supported by your gift to the Canadian Women's Foundation. Through a unique blend of counseling and empowerment projects, the program helps the women to escape violence, rebuild their self-esteem, and reclaim their voice. In this short video, the program's outreach worker, Zahrah Hajali, shares her own thoughts on helping women move from 'victim' to agent of change. You can read more about the program in the The Power of Voice in the premier issue of SHE - the Canadian Women's Foundation magazine. |
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HER STORY: PATRICIA
I suppose I could say that I was born into the women's rights movement: Nellie McClung was my great grandmother.
 | | Patricia and her two daughters |
This genetic thread connected me to the women's movement and helped shaped my views and boundaries.
Yet, it happened. I met, married and had two sons with a man who swept me off my feet. I was 17 and he was 30.
His friends marveled at how much he had changed since he had met me. I didn't understand what they meant until I became pregnant, and his violent nature was slowly revealed.
Read more about Patricia's story and how she rebuilt her life.
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Your gift to the Canadian Women's Foundation is bringing hope to women who experience violence.
You support 445 emergency shelters across Canada and 60 programs that help women rebuild their lives after escaping violence, including safety planning, loan funds, and counseling for their children.
You are also helping to create long-term change, through programs that teach high school students how to prevent bullying and dating violence.
With your help, we can end violence against women!
Warmest regards,
Beverley Wybrow
President and CEO
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