Giving Tuesday
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) has 40 years of experience focusing on gender specific supports through programs and services in all areas of settlement, with equitable and customized supports. CIWA persistently advocates for customized gender-specific services due to the reality of settlement challenges women face in everyday life, from cultural differences and role reversal, to employment, caregiving and parenting in Canada.
Today, immigrant women are facing even more challenges in the workforce and home life as COVID-19 has further exacerbated social and economic inequities immigrant women face. Women were hit harder by the pandemic as a result of the economic downturn, disproportionate share of job loss, increased exposure to health risks in the workplace and additional family responsibilities due to limited childcare options and children attending school online.
Since the start of the pandemic, CIWA has seen a 50% increase in clients facing domestic, gender-based, family and intimate partner violence – and its effect on mental health. Removing clients from abusive situations became even more difficult due to the lack of shelter space, transitional housing, social distancing, digital devices and financial strains.
This GivingTuesday, consider supporting immigrant women and their families. Your donation will go towards providing emergency supports for women fleeing abusive situation.
Your generosity will:
Fund basic needs – A $50 donation provides gift cards to purchase daily living essentials, such as diapers, gloves and food for a day
Provide transportation access – A $100 donation provides cab vouchers to help with the transition to safe places.
Finance emergency housing support – A $200 donation provides up to two nights of accommodation for an immigrant woman and her children fleeing domestic violence as they wait for a room in an emergency shelter.