Women and Girls

Persistent systemic barriers continue to hinder the progress of women and girls in the fight for equity. The disparities are particularly pronounced among racialized women and those with disabilities. United Way Halton & Hamilton collaborates with partners to break the cycles of poverty and abuse, working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all women.

Women and Girls

Why We Need You

Women and girls in our community are more likely to face poverty, poor mental health and Intimate Partner Violence. In Ontario, 1 in 8 single-parent families is led by a woman, and that number continues to rise in Halton and Hamilton.
Single mothers often experience financial strain, stress, and isolation, challenges that affect their children as well. With your support, local women and girls can access housing, counselling, and education to build stability and create a brighter future.

Every 6 days in Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner. Rural women face Intimate Partner Violence rates that are 75% higher than those living in urban settings.

How

Programs Receiving Support
0
Individuals Receiving Help
5000

Menstrual Health is a right, not a privilege.

With Period Promise, our goal is to increase access to free menstrual products in our community so that everybody who menstruates can go to work, get to school, access services, and stay connected to their community. Learn how you can help. 

$100/Month

Provides long-term individual counselling for 8 survivors of violence to help them heal and build resilience

$30/Month

Provides transportation for 50 newcomer women to access counselling and a support circle

$8/Month

Provides resources for 2 women to attend skill-building workshops on financial literacy and independence

MAKE A BIG IMPACT

With a gift of $100+/ month, or $1,200+ annually, you can become a United Way Leadership donor. You’ll drive lasting change and support vital programs that families, seniors, and children rely on. Step up, and lead with purpose. Come join a powerful local network, today!

Changing lives. Together.

These are challenging times, but together, we are ensuring that those in need have access to the help they deserve today, while building a better tomorrow – for everyone.

https://youtu.be/L1ooMSaj6tA?si=OeddBovDLbqhJiRz When I became homeless, with nowhere to turn and facing criminal charges, I realized I had hit rock bottom. My family had cut me loose after years of giving...

https://youtu.be/yVVP45g18yw When I found out I was pregnant at 18, I was horrified. My son Cain’s father and I cried together, but soon after, he told me he didn’t want...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGmSJp_AaaY As a young child, I endured both physical and sexual abuse that scarred me deeply. By the time I was a teenager, I was trapped in a cycle of...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sj10jdmmU8 Since childhood, I went through life as a quiet kid who liked staying indoors. With social anxiety and being visually impaired, making friends was tough. Everything changed one day...

“I never really had the greatest relationship with my parents and it kind of came to a head a couple of years ago where I just couldn’t live in the...
“When I found United Way, I was suffering from depression and anxiety. Every night, I was going to bed praying that I would not wake up the next day. But...

Are you or someone you know needing support?

Reach out by dialing 211—a free, confidential, 24/7 service available nationwide in Canada. Accessible in over 150 languages via phone, web, and text, 211 connects individuals to the appropriate information and services. Every day, this helpline offers a lifeline to care and resources for those in vulnerable circumstances, including seniors, newcomers, Indigenous communities, and beyond.