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Sister2Sister

 
 

THe Vision

The program works to reduce social isolation and gender violence by building leadership skills, self-sufficiency and mutual support among at-risk multicultural/multi-ethnic immigrant and refugee women. Program activities include counselling, information and referral, volunteer and leadership training, workshops, support groups, community development and violence-prevention programming. 

The Sister2Sister program will build the capacity of newcomer and immigrant women with a curriculum tailored to their needs and aspirations through education (“information is power”), critical thinking, practice telling and sharing their stories, experiential learning and mentoring. The aim is to leverage their voice and personal power as formal and informal leaders in their communities to build social networks and awareness of gender violence that prevent abuse and support its victims.

 

"As a guest speaker, I was delighted to experience such a strong group of women who were, passionate and engaged throughout the entire session; they asked tough questions and shared impactful personal stories. I left the session yearning to continue these types of conversations."

Khadra Abdulle

 
 
 
 
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Program Learning Outcomes

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"The Sister 2 Sister program is an exciting initiative to empower newcomer women, build capacity, and help newcomers realize the strength of their collective and individual voices in Toronto. Newcomer women have a valuable perspective to share that policymakers and community leaders need to hear."

Jasmine Razaee

 

Program Overview

The Sister2Sister program teaches immigrant women key concepts, debates and practical strategies and skills in leadership, community development, civic engagement, intercultural competency, equity, diversity and inclusion, digital storytelling and domestic and gender-based violence. The program introduces the first-ever newcomer women story-telling club where these women are being trained on how to speak with confidence, share their stories, enhance their English language skills and many tips and tricks about public speaking and improvisation. 

The Sister2Sister leadership program takes a holistic approach to ensure that newcomer women learn, grow and develop their skills and network. One of the unique activities was the PhotoVoice project.

Through the process of developing their own photos and narratives, the sisters  were able to find opportunities for growth, understand their passion and strength, create their own safe spaces and challenge oppression . This was the first step in their leadership journey–having to redefine themselves by actually reimagining what leadership means and looks like for them. Our Sister2Sister leadership pillars are focused on redefining leadership. Leadership is centered around three pillars: Self-Advocacy, Self-empowerment and self-actualization.

 
 
 
 
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Program Format

The program format includes lectures/presentations, videos, an exploratory walks/trips, group discussions, guest speakers, in class activities, Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) project (could be presentation, poster, campaign for a current issue, photovoice.)  skills symposium, role playing, digital storytelling and end of program gala.

 

"Participants in the program are passionate, smart and keen to contribute to society; this program allows them the opportunity to truly shape their leadership journey. Through engaging in innovative workshops, listening to civic leaders and applying the lessons to their own projects, participants get a crash course on how to effectively participate in civic life."

Anjum Sultana

 

Student presentations and discussion kick-offs will happen after the lecture component. Different in-class activities will be used to facilitate and deepen the discussions. The exploratory walk/visit will provide an opportunity for place-based learning and reflection, while having guest speakers will bring the voices and expertise of expert people doing community building on the ground to the classroom.

The elements of the program INCLUDED:

  • Education around human rights and the definition of domestic violence 

  • Domestic violence as seen through differing cultural perspectives

  • Developing self-advocacy skills

  • Immigrant Women Leadership and Civic Action Symposium led by Olivia Chow in partnership with the Institute of Change Leaders

  • A unique storytelling program to develop English proficiency and build confidence in delivering public presentations

  • Story-telling through art with the support of the Koffler Gallery and the Koffler Centre of the Arts

  • An “end-of-program” interactive gala

  • The creation of an ongoing mentorship program so this cohort will mentor the next.