Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre

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Summer Programs

Summer Programming varies every year and most often is contingent on whether or not funding comes into the Centre to run the programs. Please consult our blog regularly for information on new programs.

Moms and Kids Summer Program

The Moms and Kids Summer Program is a recreational program for isolated and low-income moms and kids up to age 8. Outdoor activities, games, picnics, walks, workshops and swimming activities are offered. It is an opportunity to enjoy nature, meet others, talk, eat, play and laugh. This program has run for the past 7 years and is a fun way for moms and their children to spend time together throughout the summer.

Workshops

The Women's Advocate provides workshops to women in Whitehorse and the communities on topics such as self-esteem, assertiveness, self-advocacy, and other matters of concern and relevance to women.

Presentations may be held by representatives from other agencies, on topics such as Human Rights, Women's Health, Self-Defense for Women, Learning about Taxes, and others.

Please continue to check our blog for upcoming workshop/presentation dates!

Yukon Status of Women Council

Yukon Status of Women Council (YSWC) is a non-profit feminist organization providing a voice for Yukon women. The Yukon Status of Women Council is located at the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre.

YSWC recently published a report, “Strong Women’s Voices – Rural Choices”, on the needs, issues and priorities of rural Yukon women. The report is available at 503 Hanson St.

The objectives of Yukon Status of Women are as follows:

To achieve legislative change in order to eliminate discrimination against women in general and Yukon women in particular.
To support in principle the report of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada.
To foster public knowledge of the rights and status of women in Canada.
To facilitate communication between individuals and groups concerned about the status of women.
To operate in a manner which is pro-choice, pro pay equity, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, anti-ageist and anti-racist.

The Yukon Status of Women Council does not have a website to browse. Status of Women Canada, part of the government of Canada, has a website which can be found here: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/

You may contact Charlotte Hrenchuk, Coordinator at 667-4637 or drop by 503 Hanson Street. Charlotte is also available through e-mail at yswc@klondiker.com and fax at (867) 667-7004.

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Annual Events

There are a number of annual events organized by the Women’s Centre. Please find out more about them by reading below and check the blog to see exact dates of when they will be taking place! This list certainly does not cover all events and activities taking place at or with the help of the Centre, but it does list the major events that happen every year. Please get in touch with us if you are willing or wanting to take on some initiatives of your own through the Centre!

Take Back the Night March

The Take Back the Night March originated in Germany in response to high levels of crimes against women taking place in the country. Today, in Canada and across the world, women participate in this annual event to bring attention to these crimes across the globe.

The march is a symbolic gesture. Women come together and walk (without men) to reclaim their right to be safe in the streets of their communities. Men do not march with women, however, if they wish to support their mothers, sisters, daughters, girlfriends and wives they are asked to stand along the periphery of the route and lend positive support from the sidelines. The purpose and symbolic nature of the walk is dependent on women being able to stand and walk alone: taking back what should already be: safety in the streets where they live.

Woman Abuse Prevention Month

Activities organized for Woman Abuse Prevention Month are done through the collective efforts of a steering committee organized by the Centre’s Coordinator. The Steering Committee meets approximately one and a half to two months before Woman Abuse Prevention Month and decides on both the theme of that years activities as well as the target group. Focus is generally on domestic violence and/or spousal abuse and activities are run throughout the month to address these issues.

December 6 th Memorial

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 6 th is our National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day serves as a stark reminder of the violence that pervades women’s lives on a daily basis . The date December 6 th was chosen, as it was the day in 1989 when Marc Lapin shot 27 women, killing 14 at Ecole Polytecnique in Montreal because he identified them as feminists. It was this day in Canadian history that forced Canadians to take notice of the violence against women apparent even in our own country. This memorial is a way of ensuring the public remembers that this wasn’t simply an isolated act by a madman, but rather a symbol of the violence and harm that is so prevalent in women’s lives every day.

The Women’s Centre organizes an event annually to remember the 14 young women that died that day as well as every woman who has been harmed by violence in the past or who lives with it in the present as a result of violent acts. Refreshments and displays are also set up and speakers are organized to discuss the relevance of the event and its history. Speakers talk about the importance of eradicating violence against women and what needs to continue to be done to ensure safety of Canadian women, as well as women around the world.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day was first established by the United Nations in 1977. For many years, the events and activities were mainly political. More recently, International Women’s Day has focused on a celebration of women and their achievements. Many still maintain “tradition” and lobby for change, mobilizing women and public opinion on relevant issues. Often International Women’s Day becomes International Women’s Week holding activities, lectures, lobbying, providing education and celebration all week long.

The Women’s Centre celebrates International Women’s Day every year, usually on the Saturday that is closest to the actual date of March 8 th. In general the event is a mix of dancing, singing and performing by women for women. It’s a supportive, welcoming night for women with celebration, fun, laughter and coming together recognizing our gains and spending time in a positive, supportive recognition of our achievements.

Sexual Assault Prevention Month

Activities organized for Sexual Assault Prevention month are done so through the collective efforts of a steering committee organized by the Centre’s Coordinator. The Steering Committee meets approximately one and a half to two months before Sexual Assault Prevention Month and decides on both the theme of that years activities as well as the target group. Focus is generally on topics such as dating violence, stranger assault, date rape drugs etc. Activities are run throughout the month to address these issues.

History