Empowered Young Women win City Award

Empowering Young Women's Group Back : Elaine, Nikita, Tiffany, Helen, Kirishaa (facilitator) Front: Anna, Tara (facilitator), Kirishma.

Congratulations to our Empowering Young Women's Group on receiving an INI Award (Identify ‘n Impact) from the City of Toronto for Enabling Collective Action.

The Indentify 'n Impact awards are sponsored by the Toronto Youth Cabinet and the City of Toronto and recognize the key role that youth play as advocates, visionaries and agents of social change. The group was recognized for its efforts in building a team to work together to better the community. 

The group meets Friday afternoons at the North West Scarborough Youth Centre Centre to talk through common issues like peer pressure, smoking, and healthy lifestyle choices with group facilitators Tara and Kirishaa, both of whom were former participants.

Last year, the group presented workshops to girls in middle school  on healthy living and relationships.

They are currently working on producing a “Girl Talk” magazine which will be distributed in local schools and libraries.

Kirishaa describes the group as "a great place to talk - we know that what is said in the room, stays in the room. It is about building our character and inner strength.  It is helping me be a stronger person and do what is right."  

Kirishaa has been involved for several years and her story was profiled in our Annual Report. > Read Kirishaa's story