Women United is a diverse, vibrant community of visionaries and change makers bound together by a powerful sense of belonging—to one another, to our community and to our mission of transforming the lives of GTA women living in poverty.
Together, we leverage our time, talents and funds to empower women in our community to build strong, independent lives. United we are stronger. Together we can create a world full of opportunity for all women.
- BECAUSE YOU are ready to speak up, take action and move the needle for women facing poverty here at home.
- BECAUSE YOU want to connect with a group of innovative and inspiring women just like you.
- BECAUSE YOU know that behind every great woman are the women who have her back.
Mission in action
Through the Women’s Impact Fund, Women United members support local services and programs for women-identified individuals that are delivered by United Way’s frontline network of agencies.
We work to ensure women have the wraparound supports they need—including access to shelter, housing and childcare—to help them get through crisis, remain out of harm’s way and build strong, independent and financially secure lives. We also support social change initiatives aimed at empowering girls, interrupting harmful social norms and influencing public policy to address systemic barriers. Here are just a few examples:
Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region & Yellow Brick House
Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region worked with United Way-supported Yellow Brick House to operate isolation sites for clients during the pandemic and helped find shelter for women needing to escape abuse.
South Asian Women’s Centre
Staff made it possible for volunteers to drop off groceries to senior women living alone. As social distancing measures became crucial to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Zoom sessions were organized to prevent social isolation among clients.
The Redwood
During the pandemic, this women’s shelter ensured that every child had a computer for online school and that every parent had a laptop to access one-on-one and group counselling and other programs.
It’s so inspiring to connect with people—especially women of different ethnicities and backgrounds—who have achieved success across so many sectors. As an immigrant, I once felt like I didn’t fit in, that I wasn’t enough. The Women United mentors have opened my eyes to new possibilities.
Gicela, Women United mentee
$1.5 million
Raised by Women United last year, a testament to the power of women when they unite in a common cause of caring.
1,800
The number of women who are accessing the opportunities they need to create safe, prosperous futures for themselves and their families.
Membership
Women United has three membership levels designed to resonate with women at different stages in their lives and careers:
- Influencers (donation of $1,200 or more per year)
- Advocates (donation of $5,000 or more per year)
- Visionaries (donation of $10,000 or more per year)
When you donate to Women United your gift is supporting women and their families across our region. In addition, Women United donors:
- Receive our quarterly Women United newsletter
- Are invited to gatherings with passionate, like-minded women
- Have opportunities to connect with the programs and women they support
It is important to give back as soon as you have something to give even if that something to give is small. While philanthropy is usually seen in people’s eyes in terms of large endowments and funds, contributions can include time as well as money. Look at what you care most about and then giving becomes easy. I would encourage anyone who is interested in being part of Women United to be reach out and consider becoming a member. Women increasingly have the means and the will to invest philanthropically in our community. Please consider Women United as part of that investment in our community.
Godyne Sibay, former Co-Chair Women Gaining Ground (now Women United)
Regional Managing Partner, McCarthy Tétrault
Join Women United today
Women United combines the strength of generous, savvy and accomplished women who are dedicated to building stronger communities. Our members have the talent, expertise and networks necessary to make a real difference.