IMPACT
CAWA’s home is Waterloo Region—where it has an extensive reach with increasing long-lasting impact. In 2016, nearly 6,000 adult women identified as Arab in this region—including born citizens and new immigrants. This number has likely increased since then; these women deserve barrier-free programming catered to helping them succeed.
Over the past two years, we have reached thousands of individual women—many newcomers—reporting impacts that extend beyond participation in programs or events into their personal lives. With our strong social media presence on WhatsApp and Facebook—and the high demand for Arabic programming—we expect this number will continue growing.
IN 2021, WE…
WORKED WITH
20
WOMEN WITH
URGENT NEEDS
CONNECTED WITH OVER
1800
WOMEN THROUGH PRIVATE SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS
HOSTED
95
IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL SESSIONS
RESPONDED TO OVER
1000
QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
HIRED
10
STAFF MEMBERS
SERVED OVER
275
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
In the dead of night as snow blanketed the streets, Rashida found herself in labor—desperately needing someone to drive her husband and her to the hospital. But it wasn’t just transportation she needed; it was reassurance from someone who could bridge language gaps during this vulnerable moment.
Rashida’s journey from Syria had been fraught with challenges; now she faced another hurdle in this unfamiliar land. With no options left, she reached out through CAWA’s WhatsApp group—and Samah heard her call for help.
Compassion guiding her actions, Samah raced through the silent night to Rashida’s side. Together they embarked on their journey to the hospital—with Samah providing comfort every step of the way. Throughout labor’s long hours, Samah remained steadfast—a beacon of companionship during Rashida’s most vulnerable time.
Samah’s kindness and willingness to support Rashida exemplifies what CAWA hopes to provide to our community.
All newcomers face challenges as they come to Canada. These obstacles include but are not limited to things like language barriers, economic stresses, and simply trying to adapt to a new society and culture while preserving your own.
However, female newcomers face unique challenges that often leave them lost and facing insurmountable stress as they try to navigate it all on their own. These women need programs and resources catered to them. The positive impact of social networks on the empowerment and integration of newcomers in Canada is significant (and research-backed) and is especially helpful for women.
Preventing social isolation for marginalized newcomers, including refugees, is crucial for integrating into Canadian society. As a socially-supported network, CAWA provides these culturally sensitive programs and resources to self-identifying Arab women with their unique experiences in mind.
