Advocacy

YWCA Halifax’s advocacy work is grounded in feminist practice, and strives to address the root causes of poverty and inequality through evidence-based research, policy development and training opportunities. We recognize the importance of systemic change to eliminate inequality in our society, and are committed to that end in our advocacy work.

Currently, we are engaged in a number of initiatives with the purpose of bringing about systemic change for women who are marginalized by poverty and traumatized by violence, particularly in regards to housing and human trafficking.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Our activities on this issue include:

• Convening a Provincial Partnership for Action – The Trafficking and Exploitation Services System is a Provincial Partnership that includes 170+ professionals from 40+ agencies across Nova Scotia. This partnership makes up a vast Community of Practice which is action-oriented, meets regularly and is culturally competent and survivor-informed. 
• Community Awareness and Mobilization – YWCA Halifax offers a menu of training for front line service providers on the issue of exploitation and trafficking, as well as private and public information sessions for stakeholders and the public at large
• Research and Knowledge Dissemination – We conduct research on the issue through a variety of consultations, interviews and surveys with service providers and first voice.   

Women’s Housing Security

Our activities on this issue include:

• National, Provincial and Municipal Advocacy – YWCA Halifax is involved of a number of National and Local committees and working groups on the issue of Women’s Housing and Homelessness
• Uplifting First Voices – We work to bring girls and women experiencing housing insecurity closer to the systems that influence their experiences.
• Research and Knowledge Dissemination –  We conduct research on the issue through a variety of consultations, interviews and surveys with service providers and first voice.   

Economic Security and Equity

Our activities on Economic Security and Equity include:

• Private Sector Engagement – YWCA Halifax works with private sector industries to assist them in bringing gender equity to their sectors through training opportunities, HR policy assessments and strategic planning.
• Leadership and Mentoring – We foster leadership and mentoring opportunities between our participants, alumni, partners and stakeholders, as well as within the organization itself.
• Networking and Corporate Social Responsibility – We host events which bring together the best and the brightest women entrepreneurs, business and community leaders to foster partnerships and collaborations to enhance the economic security of women and girls in our community.    

Women Active Nova Scotia

Our activities include:

• Increasing equity in participation of girls and women in sport, recreation, and physical activity
• Increasing access to leadership roles across the sector