Empowering the Women of the Greater Toronto Area with Women United

There are thousands of women and children in our communities whose lives have been improved by a small group of dedicated changemakers that share a single goal: to transform women’s lives.

“Women United is a community of donors,” said Jennifer Chegus, Senior Philanthropy Officer at United Way Greater Toronto. “They are making a significant investment to support women in community.”

The programs that Women United fund help women secure meaningful work with fair wages, support survivors of domestic violence, and provide wrap-around services to mothers, and those in need. 

More than 300,000 women in Peel, Toronto, and York Region live on a low-income due to factors like uncertain employment and unaffordable housing. Racialized women, transgender people, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ face distinct challenges, due to systemic oppression and overlapping inequities.

In addition to the financial issues that both men and women are facing, such as inflation, high interest rates, and a lack of a wage increases, many of the women supported by Women United also lack access to safe housing and secure, adequate food, heightening their vulnerability.

There are more barriers for gender-diverse young people, which is influenced by social norms and expectations related to gender roles. They also face higher rates of violence and sexual assault.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the biggest issues, with Women United funding many programs related to the issue. “The reality that many women will face in abusive relationships, is that they are afraid of leaving the relationship and living in poverty,” said Chegus. She adds, “The type of support we fund involves food and shelter, safety, and also counselling related to the trauma.”

One of the agencies Women United helps fund is the Rexdale Women’s Centre. They support immigrant, refugee, and newcomer women and their families. Women are settled and integrated into their new home by helping them become self-sufficient and financially secure.

Rexdale Women’s Centre strives to help families live happy, safe, healthy and socially engaged lives where they feel honoured and respected.

Women United also helps fund Woodgreen’s Homeward Bound program. It supports sole mothers in transition by providing childcare, counselling, and skills training as they move into stable housing and employment.

Women who use the shelter system with their families consider it their home. Chegus recalled one woman who used the shelter system through Women United, changing her and her family’s life.

“What really left me from the conversation with her was thinking of the shelter as home,” said Chegus. “For her and her family, it became that home, and it became a safe and welcoming space.”

To get out of the temporary space, the survivor might rely on social, economic, or emotional resources. The funding for those resources comes from the donors to Women United.

Donors to Women United have the passion and perseverance that make a difference in the lives of women. Donations support women-focused investments across communities, which sets women up for success.

For United Way Greater Toronto, it is significant that Women United exists. “I think it’s really important,” said Chegus. “I think the current sociopolitical aspect shows we are regressing as a society, and initiatives like Women United give women the chance to come together.”

Despite the amount of work Women United does, there is room to grow in supporting the initiative. “Not enough people know about this giving opportunity,” said Chegus. “When people learn about us, they are interested.”

Chegus adds, “There is something beautiful and inspiring about women helping women.”