A quick overview; YWC includes:
11
Members Total
all representing women-led and feminist, not-for-profit organizations.
8
Member Organizations
based out of Whitehorse, 2 in Watson Lake, and 1 in Dawson City.
3
Indigenous Organizations
all representing women-led and feminist, not-for-profit organizations.
3
Shelters
providing emergency/transitional housing and some second-stage housing.
2
Women's Organizations
providing a feminist space for all women (not only those facing violence) – one in French and one in English, with the inclusion of boys and men in some off-site programming.
1
Ethical Research Member
focused largely on advancing women's equity.
2
Gender Equity Members
focused on increasing safety, in the workplace.
Offerings
Our Services
All of the Yukon Women's Coalition member organizations stand as leaders in their field. As a Coalition, we also value each member's unique perspective and expertise. We draw on the wisdom from across our membership to work together towards the systemic changes needed to solve gender-based violence.
Here is a quick overview of the unique services, or advocacy work, each member organization is doing:
Shelters
Feminist Spaces
Indigenous Values & Culture
Research
Gender Equity in the Workplace
Shelters
There are 3 emergency shelters for women in the Yukon, each provides 24/7 support lines and/or text and chat support.
In addition to shelter, and transitional housing, they also provide other programming, education, and events to the general public. Working with the most vulnerable, and with anyone facing gender-based violence, the shelters are incredibly attuned to what is really happening in our communities.
They offer an expert lens into a landscape often ignored, or unseen, by the greater public, and are leaders in treating victims with greater dignity.
Dawson City
Watson Lake
Whitehorse
Feminist Spaces
There are 2 women's organizations aimed primarily at providing feminist spaces open for participation by all, not only those facing violence.
Both, Les Essentielles and VFWC, provide a host of programs and offerings to the public – the former in French and the latter in English. All their offerings are ultimately aimed at promoting women's equality and well-being, which includes fostering healthier concepts of both femininity and masculinity.
They have drop-in spaces and programming for all ages of women on-site and run groups primarily off-site for youth of all genders, boys and men. Together, they coordinate 2 campaigns in the Yukon each year: Sexual Assault Prevention Month (in May) and 16 Days to End Gender-Based Violence (November 25 to December 10).
Indigenous Values & Culture
The Coalition includes 3 Indigenous organizations – who provide guidance in moving toward decolonized ways of viewing reality and working together.
Each of these groups offers direct services to their membership with a focus on cultural programming, including traditional skills, on the land activities, and sharing/preserving stories/history. They also proactively respond to, and provide safe spaces and programming for:
- Residential school survivors.
- MMIWG2S+ families and survivors.
- Indigenous community members experiencing systemic racism.
- Any Indigenous community members wanting to strengthen their own ties with culture and community.
Watson Lake
Research
This member is a leader in advancing gender equity through research, education and systemic advocacy.
They collaborate and work closely with other organizations to gauge the pulse of the gender-based violence sector. They are able to pour their efforts into research initiatives based on the needs and trends emerging from women accessing direct services from member and partner not-for-profits. This research strongly aids our greater efforts as a Coalition to proactively advocate for systemic change at all levels of government and society.
Gender Equity in the Workplace
These members are working towards gender equity in the workplace. YWITT focuses on safer workplaces and opportunities specifically in the trades and technology sector.
They provide a host of workshops, advocacy support and community-led research and policy work. PSAC – Women's Committee works as a support to all non-male unionized employees. They provide a variety of training (mainly online) and community-building opportunities to its members across the 3 Territories.
