The Women’s Centre is a safe place to drop-in, connect and build community with other women.
We believe women need strong social and community connections to thrive.
Social inclusion and the participation of women in society are often considered indicators of healthy families and healthy communities. However, an increasing number of women are at risk of being socially isolated. Isolation is a major problem for many women in poverty, new to the city or country, or with health issues. It affects coping skills and makes all other problems harder to deal with.
The Women’s Centre offers free workshops and groups on a wide range of topics. We also offer opportunities for girls to connect with one another through our Girls Programs. The Centre also hosts an Artist in Residence program.
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“Through the Women’s Centre I’ve enjoyed a wide range of learning, through workshops, discussions, and even exercise that I have never experienced in my life. It has changed me, made me a well-rounded person, more open and more loving.”
Workshops
Many women who come to the Women’s Centre are unable to take part in community opportunities due to poverty, language, literacy and health issues. With the help of volunteers, we are able to offer a variety of workshops and groups every month at the Women’s Centre. Ongoing groups at the Women’s Centre include Practice English, and Community Group for women with developmental disabilities.
Every year we offer more than 100 free, accessible workshops and groups on a wide range of topics such as:
- computer skills
- self-esteem
- self-defence
- yoga
- car maintenance
- feminism
- crafts
- dance
- stress management
- diversity
- empowerment issues
- practice English
- international women’s issues and activism
- reconciliation
- and more
To receive updates on upcoming workshops and events to be sure you never miss out please sign up for our newsletter.
Events
The Women’s Centre is involved in a variety of community events that provide women with opportunities to connect with each other and build community such as International Women’s Day celebrations in March, and every July, we host our own Stampede Lunch. With the help of community partners, we provide tickets to events, theatre, and movies. We encourage groups to bring their projects to the Women’s Centre. We also facilitate participation in broader community events like the Sisters in Spirit vigil.
Girls Programs
The Women’s Centre designed and implemented a gender-specific program to address the needs of girls. Through a variety of experiential learning techniques and fun activities, the girls have the opportunity to explore the impact of gender roles, sexism, racism, violence, stereotypes and other issues in a safe environment. Girls Programs at the Women’s Centre are developed in partnership with participants and in response to issues they tell us are important to them. We offer two drop in programs for girls throughout the school year: Girl Power (Grades 5 & 6)and Girl Force (Grades 7-9). Programs are free and include snacks, supplies and bus tickets.
Artist in Residence (AiR)
The AiR Program was created in 2017 in celebration of our 20th anniversary to provide increased opportunity for women in our community to connect with Calgary’s arts and music community, while also providing increased visibility and support to local women-identifying artists. We select one artist or group of artists for each season of the year to lead skill building workshops and perform at special Women’s Centre events to provide all women in Calgary with new opportunities to celebrate creativity. This program includes any style of art: visual, music, film, etc.