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Kenyan Canadian Association - KCA is a federal not-for-profit organization that seeks to address the issues affecting marginalized black Canadians and other racialized groups while assisting newcomers to settle and make a positive contribution in the society as they endeavor to achieve their goals.

KCA also focuses on implementing programs and specifically offering services to newcomers, low-income families and other socially-excluded groups residing in Canada to improve their personal well-being and social-economic status.

KCA works collaboratively with organizations and stakeholders through our grassroot network across the country.

 

KCA Webinar Uplifts UN Women HeForShe and Breaks Down Gender Stereotypes

Written by KCA Admin on . Posted in News

Toronto, Canada – Tuesday, November 9 2021

On Saturday November 6, 2021, the Kenyan Canadian Association (KCA) hosted its fifth and final webinar in their high-impact series addressing gender inequality and gender-based violence: Gender Equality and UN Women’s HeForShe. This webinar series has been supported by funding from the Government of Canada through the Canadian Women’s Foundation, Safer + Stronger COVID-19 Emergency Grants.

KCA, a proud champion of the UN Women’s HeForShe initiative, hosted an interactive webinar featuring keynote panelist, UN Women’s Global Head of HeForShe, Edward Wageni, a long-time advocate for the social and economic empowerment of women and girls around the world.

The panel also included presentations from Brian Anderson, Executive Director of Fathering Together and Jake Stika, Executive Director of Next Gen Men. The event was hosted by Fatma Nadhir, Director of Social and Economic Empowerment at KCA, with an informative presentation from KCA’s President and Executive Director, Ephraim Mwaura.

Opening the discussion on gender equality, KCA President Ephraim Mwaura detailed the programs and initiatives that KCA has created as part of efforts to build greater gender equality and eradicate gender-based violence. Speaking on KCA’s continued commitment to gender equality and building on the HeForShe campaign; Mr. Mwaura spoke about KCA’s work implementing strategies that engage men and boys as allies for the empowerment of women and girls. He also shared that over 90% of KCA’s direct food aid program beneficiaries are women who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Mwaura affirmed KCA’s commitment to combating these negative effects by uplifting women and families out of poverty and into financial independence, through food aid programs, scholarship opportunities for women and future economic security initiatives.

The keynote speaker, UN Women HeForShe Global Head Edward Wageni spoke about the creation and launch of the HeForShe initiative and the steps that have been taken to enact systemic change for gender equity. He noted that in North America, society is still far from achieving gender equality. To address this, HeForShe is focused on engaging world leaders, major corporations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions to invest in the empowerment of women and girls. HeForShe specifically calls in men and boys and people of all genders to stand in solidarity for gender equality. Mr. Wageni stated that, “Gender equality is not just about women and girls. We need to move to action. Looking at what men and boys can do to make a difference.” He also recognized KCA’s contributions in spearheading a conversation online, bringing together men, community leaders, and stakeholders for gender equality.

Brian Anderson who is the Executive Director of Fathering Together, a community-based organization with the goal of dismantling harmful gender stereotypes by engaging fathers to work within their families and communities to redefine gender norms, spoke about the need for creating community and online spaces that foster support for father figures in positive ways.

Next Gen Men, an organization that is working in schools and communities with young men and boys as well as in workplaces and businesses, to build awareness and facilitate education that breaks down gender stereotypes, promotes an end to gender-based violence and fosters greater gender equality was represented by the Executive Director, Jake Stika. In his presentation, he highlighted the work his organization is doing to reduce harm and create safer spaces, through systemic changes:
“When we talk about male allyship, you know we cannot be talking about how women should [only] be protected without actually talking about power structures at play as to why women experience the things that they do.”

In his submission, City of Brampton Mayor, His Worship Patrick Brown, applauded KCA’s efforts in promoting gender qquality as something special about the organization. He also noted that the City of Brampton’s council is working towards promoting gender equity even further within the city.

The webinar provided an informative and inclusive space to discuss the reduction of toxic masculinity, the achievement of gender equality and worldwide efforts to eliminate harmful gender stereotypes and uplift women and girls.
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We have also listed some of the resources shared in the webinar:

For more about this webinar series, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow KCA on FacebookTwitter and Instagram, for more information.

If you’d like to catch up on past webinars, access the recorded video on the Kenyan Canadian Associations YouTube channel

The KCA is dedicated to implementing programs and offering services to Black, other racialized communities, and socially excluded groups residing in Canada.

Micro-Grant Youth Project Participants Funded by Canada Service Corps

Rhythms of Change: Shannice Thomas' Transformative Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Shannice Thomas shares her journey on her initiative; Black youth music program during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

 

Nurturing Independence: Shania Ramirez's Empowering Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Shania Ramirez shares her journey on her initiative; Empower and educate black youth on self-autonomy during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

Empowering Voices: Joyce Molale's Impactful Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Joyce Molale shares her journey on her initiative; In their own voices – disrupting anti-Black racism and hate during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

 

Empowering Change: Henry Bioh's Inspiring Journey with the Micro-Grant Youth Program

Henry Bioh shares his journey on his initiative; The African Excellence Program for African Youth during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

Inspiring Tomorrow: Oluwatubi Agbede's Empowering Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Oluwatubi Agbede shares his journey on his initiative; Science outreach program for black youth during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

 

Reimagining Africa: Empowering Cultural Narratives and Identity

Mosopefoluwa shares her initiative during the workshop on February 3, 2024.  

Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Mosope advocates for Africans to embrace indigenous languages, strengthening ties to ancestral roots and promoting diverse cultures. Mosope's project, "Reimagining Africa," aims to showcase the continent's cultural heritage through a multimedia campaign, fostering global appreciation and understanding. 

 

Hoops for Empowerment: Malko Young's Basketball Initiative with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Malko Young shares his initiative during a workshop on February 3, 2024.

Dedicated to youth empowerment through basketball, Malko's "Improved Basketball Skills" program enhances participants' abilities in dribbling, shooting, and teamwork. By fostering physical fitness and leadership, Malko's holistic approach emphasizes character development, life skills, and mentorship, promoting confidence, academic success, and community engagement.

 

Empowering Black Students: Akera Otto’s STEM Access Initiative with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Akera Otto outlines his vision during a workshop on February 3, 2024.

Inspired by a Black student Hackathon he attended; Akera aims to transform their Python 3 program into a user-friendly app. With the grant, they plan to refine the code and hire a computer scientist by November. By January, beta testing will commence at McMaster University. Akera's project aims to empower Black students in STEM, providing vital resources and opportunities.

 

Cultivating Cultural Connections: Odilia's Community Engagement initiative

Odilia Nkosi shares her vision during the workshop on February 3, 2024.

Inspired by her heritage, Odilia plans to use the grant to organize cultural events like music performances and language classes, as well as a community roller skating night. These initiatives aim to promote cultural preservation and community engagement.

 

 

Empowering Sustainable Fashion: Melody's Clothing Swap Initiative with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Melody Vuliye shares her initiative during a workshop on February 3, 2024.

Melody’s project, "The Clothing Swap Initiative," focuses on hosting three clothing swap events across GTA colleges and universities. These events aim to promote sustainable fashion practices and reduce textile waste in the communities. By providing students with a platform to exchange clothing items, Melody and team foster conscious consumption and community engagement.

The goal is to empower youth with affordable, high-quality clothing options while advocating for sustainability and the circular economy. Through breaking financial barriers and encouraging clothing reuse and recycling, they aim to create a sense of community and inspire a greener future.

 

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Contact Information

Kenyan Canadian Association - KCA
Brampton | Toronto | Ottawa | Winnipeg | Calgary | Vancouver
Telephone: +1 888-448-6225
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.kcacanada.org 
           | @kcacanada

National Head Office:
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226 Bathurst St, Unit 250
Toronto ON M5T 2R9
Brampton Office:
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18 Regan Rd, Unit 28
Brampton ON L7A 1C2

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