Campaigns
Our priority is to represent, and to campaign on behalf of, women and girls living in systems of oppression.
We rally for systemic change with a unified voice that encompasses a diversity of experience.
Yearly Campaigns
Our sector's yearly campaigns encapsulate many of the broader systemic problems experienced by women and children. These campaigns shine a light upon the continued efforts needed, and the milestones achieved, for women in Yukon and around the world. They seek to educate and keep the flame of resistance and unity alive.
March 8th
International Women's Day
Typically a celebratory occasion with local events and themes differing each year.
May
Sexual Assault Prevention Month (SAPM)
This campaign is aimed at ending gender-based violence (specifically sexual violence), raising awareness, supporting victims and sharing resources.
November 25th to December 10th
16 Days to end Gender-Based Violence
This is an international campaign aimed at ending violence against individuals based on their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender.
For updates and more info., visit both: Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre (on FB and Insta) and Les Essenielles (on FB and Insta)
AND check out their shared campaign website – endviolenceyukon.com!
May 5th
Red Dress Day
This Day was sparked by Jaime Black's Red Dress project. It is a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People. In Whitehorse, this event has become a multi-day affair including a sacred fire, silent walk, prayer, and different opportunities for all individuals to grieve, share, and gather in allyship.
For more info, on local events, visit FB @wawcircle. WAWC provides excellent links to national MMIWG2S+ information and resources. See also the Native Women's Association of Canada.
Early October
Sisters in Spirit
Locally, this Day honours the victims and families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and their families in Yukon and Northern BC, while highlighting the ongoing issue of violence against Indigenous Women and Girls and gender-diverse peoples in Canada. The yearly walk and vigil provides community support, public awareness/education, and advocacy to advance the calls for justice of the national inquiry. Note that this campaign happens just a few days after Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30), providing a timely opportunity to support one another and spread awareness.
The 2025 walk will be held Friday October 3rd. Meet at the RCMP detachment at 11:45am; start the walk at noon. At walks end there will be speeches from one or two family members and a bagged lunch to-go.
For more info. visit YAWC's Website or FB See also: Native Women's Association of Canada/SistersinSpririt
Emerging Campaigns
We endeavour to mobilize in response to emerging issues that affect Yukon women and girls.
Please check back here regularly for updates on our latest initiatives.
On-Going & Past Campaigns
The work of advocating for real change often takes place over years, if not lifetimes. We recommit to campaigns at different points in time in response to community needs/voices, shifts in political and public will, and the capacity of our membership – who are all dedicated to the front line work they are doing each day.
Some of the causes we've advocated for directly, or supported strongly, over the years are:
In response to a public outcry about another incident of sexualized violence that occurred in a Whitehorse taxi in early 2021, Yukon Women's Coalition launched a survey to hear directly from community members about what was happening and what needs to change. The Taxi Safety Report came out of this pivotal research.
Following the report, Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council received funding in the same year to conduct a public awareness campaign on taxi safety. They produced a number of print and online materials for distribution online and around the community. The campaign's goal was to inform, empower and mobilize riders, drivers and the general public about taxi safety promotion and prevention. Learn more on YAWC's website.
As recently as Nov. 2023, YWC has revisited this issue by writing a letter to the City of Whitehorse on the opening of the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw, reminding Council of the recommendations that were made in the Jan. 2022 Taxi Safety Report.
Coalition initiatives that came out of this 'era' include:
• Creation of Together for Justice and Together for Safety Protocols and working committees
• Sensitivity and language training sessions for RCMP in Whitehorse
Show Your Support
Get Involved
Here are the best ways to get involved, be the first to learn about upcoming events, and show your support for the work we do:
Become a friend of the Coalition
Basically a member at large. There's no fee or volunteer commitment. You will simply receive 1-4 e-mails a year with:
- Local advocacy efforts that you can participate in (peaceful demonstrations, letter writing campaigns, etc.).
- Updates about the Coalition's work (milestones, successful law reform, etc.)
Follow us on our socials
Donate to our sector!
Volunteer with us
There is often a need for short-term volunteers around the campaigns – each of which is coordinated by different member organizations and supported by the Coalition as a whole.
Want to volunteer? Reach out to chat with our Coalition Coordinator or the lead organization at any time.
Member Organization Opportunities
Contact our Members directly or visit YuWin and other local job boards – to check for employment and volunteer positions within Yukon Women's Coalition member organizations. Watch their socials for emerging news on their latest campaigns & how you can get involved.
