IMPACT

CAWA’s home is Waterloo Region, where it has extensive reach and increasing, long-lasting impact. In 2016, nearly 6,000 adult women in Waterloo Region alone identified as Arab. This figure includes born and naturalized citizens as well as new immigrants and refugees. We expect this number has only increased since then. These women need and deserve barrier-free and accessible programming catered to helping them succeed, and CAWA works to provide that.

 
Over the last two years, we have reached thousands individual women, many being newcomers. Most of these women have reported that the impact CAWA has had on their lives goes beyond the programs and events they have participated in, and has long-lasting effects in their personal lives as well. Due to our strong social media presence on both WhatsApp and Facebook, and the huge need for Arab language-programming, we expect this number to only increase in 2021.

IN 2021, WE...

HOSTED

Rashida was in labour. It was 2:00 AM and snowy outside, and she desperately needed someone to drive her and her husband to the hospital and provide them with instant and accurate Arabic-English interpretation. Above all, she needed someone just to be there to support her.

Rashida's journey from Syria to Canada was not an easy one, and she now found herself needing to get to the hospital in a new, foreign place. Out of sheer desperation with no other options, Rashida sent a message to the CAWA WhatsApp group chat asking for help. Thankfully, Samah was awake and heard her phone go off, immediately getting into her car and driving to Rashida's house. Samah stayed with them at the hospital until Rashida's son had arrived safely. 

Samah's kindness and willingness to support Rashida exemplifies what CAWA hopes to provide to our community. 

BRIDGING CANADIAN SOCIETY & ARAB COMMUNITY

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Over the six years that CAWA has been active in the community, we have been able to connect to many local organizations, working together to provide programs and resources to Arab women in the community. 

CAWA has placed itself firmly in Canadian society, and through its ties to organizations and community partners, we are able to bridge the gap between the broader Canadian society and the Arab community.

Creating this space in which both Arab and Canadian realities meet, has given CAWA a unique position and the women we serve a safe space to explore society and establish their Canadian Arab identity.