Women & Families First Initiative

Women & Families First Initiative

Non-profit Organizations

WAFFI's goal is to empower Black women in Canada and partner with employers making the shift to inclusive workplaces

About us

Women & Families First Initiative (WAFFI) is an organization located in Toronto, ON. We are committed to empowering newcomer and long-term Afro-Caribbean Black migrant women as they navigate their careers within the context of the current post-pandemic Canadian Labour Market. We passionately advocate for the improved employment experience, long term employment outcomes and collective changes needed to ensure equitable employment spaces.

Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Toronto
Type
Nonprofit

Locations

Updates

  • Today, we recognize the contributions and achievements of all workers, with special acknowledgment to the Black women who continue to make strides and excel in every industry. This Labor Day, let's honor the perseverence and excellence of Black women in the workforce. Here are ways you can make a difference: ·  Support Black Women-Owned Businesses: Shop at and promote businesses owned by Black women. ·  Mentorship: Offer your expertise to mentor a Black woman entering your field. ·  Advocate for Equal Pay: Promote transparent pay practices and equal compensation. · Promote Inclusivity: Support policies that foster diversity and inclusion. · Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the successes of Black women in your network. Collectively, we can create a future where every Black woman has the opportunity to achieve her career goals. #LabourDay #EmploymentEquity

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  • Today, we join our fellow Canadians in celebrating the beauty of diversity, unity, and inclusion that makes Canada extraordinary. Embracing our rich tapestry of cultures, we honour the contributions of Black women in Canada who have shaped this country. Let's continue to build bridges, foster understanding, and work together towards a future of equality and justice. Wishing everyone a joyous and reflective Canada Day! #CanadaDay #CelebrateDiversity #BlackInCanada

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  • This Father's Day, WAFFI proudly honors and celebrates the remarkable Black fathers whose contributions are invaluable to our communities. Amidst adversity, they exemplify strength, resilience, and unwavering love, serving as pillars of support and guidance for their families and beyond. Today, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on these vital family members, acknowledging and applauding their profound influence and the positive difference they make in the lives of many. #HappyFathersDay

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  • Canadian governments and corporations spend billions annually on procurement, but Black-owned businesses historically see very little of this. Jackee Kasandy, of the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society, aims to change that with a new certification program. In partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada, the program helps Black-owned businesses navigate government and corporate procurement opportunities. "We found a huge knowledge gap. Many businesses didn't know these opportunities existed," Kasandy said. With increased focus on supplier diversity, this initiative is paving the way for more Black-owned businesses to secure lucrative contracts. #BlackOwnedBusiness #SupplierDiversity #Procurement #BusinessGrowth source: https://lnkd.in/geZiQXtj

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  • Navigating the job market as a newcomer to Canada can be challenging and time-consuming. However, employment is not the only way to create the life you desire. If you're contemplating entrepreneurship in Canada, here are four reasons why it might be a great choice. ● Access to Support and Resources: Canada offers various programs and resources to support immigrant entrepreneurs. These include government grants, loans, training programs, and networking opportunities tailored specifically for women and immigrants. These additional supports and resources can make the entrepreneurial journey a little less challenging. ● Building a Community and Network: Entrepreneurship provides an opportunity to connect with other business owners, mentors, and professional networks. Building these relationships can provide essential support, advice, and opportunities for collaboration and growth. ● Economic Empowerment and Independence: Entrepreneurship offers a pathway to economic independence, providing the opportunity for immigrant women to create their own jobs and generate income. This financial autonomy can lead to a better quality of life and greater stability for themselves and their families. ● Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Owning a business can provide greater flexibility compared to traditional employment. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for immigrant women who may need to balance work with family responsibilities, such as childcare or caring for elderly relatives. #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurshiptips #diversityandinclusion

  • Microaggressions are the everyday, subtle, intentional – and oftentimes unintentional – interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward marginalized groups and they're known to plague workplaces - making a Black women's experience that much more challenging. Here are a few ways you can advocate for yourself at work when these tricky situations arise. 1) Educate them! The workplace can be a delicate place to address conflict but by using "I" statements to express how you've been negatively impacted you also avoid putting someone on the spot and creating an emotionally charged situation. 2) Familiarize yourself with the process for reporting misconduct - While these incidents may not always be intentional if things escalate or you feel like a situation should be reported it'll be important to know what steps you'll need to take. 3) Keep note of reoccurring situations- Keeping a log/record of reoccurring incidents can help support your claim if you ever decide to escalate the situation beyond yourself. #inclusiveemployment #employmentsupport #diversityandinclusion

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