Women’s Economic Empowerment Knowledge Mobilization
On Saturday, November 30th, ActionDignity hosted an inspiring Knowledge Mobilization event to conclude our Gender Equity Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) project. The event brought together remarkable women and member organizations to share their stories of resilience, innovation, and impact.
The Calgary Vietnamese Women’s Association (CVWA), First Step Together Society, Afghan Canadian Women for Global Cooperation, SheRises-WeRise, and the Bihar and Jharkhand Association of Alberta (BAJAA) presented their achievements, showcasing how their programs are creating pathways for economic independence and community growth.
The CAVWA’s presentation stood out with its success at the GlobalFest “Taste of Vietnam” food booth, where 50 women gained hands-on experience in running food stations and promoting their businesses. Their social media workshops added another layer of empowerment, helping women share their stories and market their skills.
FirstStep Together Society emphasized the power of community-driven change. By addressing barriers like unequal pay and limited childcare options, they’ve created pathways for women to gain independence. Reflecting on their achievements, a team member said, “his most rewarding part has been seeing women build confidence and then inspire others around them. It’s a ripple effect.”
For the Afghan Canadian Women for Global Cooperation, mentorship and training programs have been game-changers. Their participants, many of whom are entrepreneurs, learned to overcome gender bias and enter new markets. The support has allowed these women to dream beyond limits highlighting the broader impact of these initiatives.
SheRises-WeRise warmed hearts with stories from their sewing club. Starting with the basics, participants advanced to creating handmade purses, aprons, and vibrant African dresses. Beyond sewing, the program fostered a sense of community. It’s not just about skills; it’s about women coming together to support and lift each other up.
The BAJAA team introduced their digital literacy workshops, empowering women to navigate the online world confidently. These workshops addressed critical issues like online safety, enabling participants to recognize fraud and leverage digital tools for personal and business growth. “Watching women transform their digital skills into empowerment has been incredibly rewarding,” a BAJAA representative said.
The event also featured a panel discussion with three inspiring immigrant businesswomen: Alimat Giwa, CEO of Hanaf Foods; Sophie Wu, Owner of Taichi Massage and Therapy and Laily Baha, Owner of My Drem. Their powerful stories left a lasting impression. As one attendee remarked, “Your stories motivated us to dream big and continue breaking barriers.”
A key theme throughout the event was collaboration. Organizations shared ideas on pooling resources, forming mentorship networks, and working together to advocate for policy changes that support women’s economic independence. When we unite, we can make a real difference. The stories shared at the event are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women are given the tools and opportunities to succeed.
ActionDignity is proud to support these organizations and their incredible work. Together, we’re building a future where women lead the way in creating stronger, more resilient communities.
BACK TO IN THE NEWS