Women in Action

WIA is a pilot Training & Work Readiness Program that breaks through the ‘Canadian Experience’ barrier for refugee women.

When refugee women lead, authentic solutions follow.

Program Details

WIA provides 6 months of real-life, hands-on training and mentorship in office management, client support, and program delivery – all within Canadian Connections’ fast-paced work environment. The women are trained. The community is served.

Year 1 graduates become staff (funding dependent). They recruit, hire and train the next cohort of women refugees.

Year 1&2 graduates now have the skills and confidence to develop and lead Canadian Connections programming, or seek employment in their chosen fields.

Program Benefits

FOR THE COMMUNITY:

Increased capacity of Canadian Connections to serve GTA’s newly arrived refugee community through its programs that address basic needs, such as: Food Insecurity, Digital Access, Mental Health, and Accessing Community Resources.

FOR THE REFUGEE WOMEN PLACEMENT PARTICIPANTS:

Confidence, professional skills, and knowledge for their next job.
Extra income for the family.
Increased network and improved English.
Understanding of Canadian workplace culture and values.
Role models for their children, especially daughters.

Canadian Connections believes the success of this program will lead to other organizations recognizing the value and richness of skills of refugee women.

2024 RAISE Grant Winner Canadian Connections

Canadian Connections was selected to receive the 2024 Meaningful Work Foundation Grant due to its exceptional performance across multiple criteria. The charity’s application showcased a thoughtful history of producing positive outcomes and effectively managing past donations. Additionally, its program aligns with our criteria for breaking down employment barriers. It is highly cost-effective, and offers volunteer opportunities for our staff, making it an ideal partner for this grant.

WIA Grant Recipient

Zakia Hidayat is grateful for the Women in Action Raise Grant, seeing it as a vital stepping stone to empower herself and other women refugees. She believes this opportunity will help her gain valuable skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to her community.

Support This Program Today

Your generous donation will go straight to paying refugee women’s salary, helping them build a brighter future.