Immigrant Women’s Advisory Committee (IWAC) Projects
Empowering Voices, Shaping Communities
At the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS), we recognize the invaluable contributions of immigrant and refugee women. The Immigrant Women’s Advisory Committee (IWAC) is a dynamic platform that amplifies their voices, advocating for systemic change and fostering inclusive policies that reflect their experiences and needs.
Program Highlights
- Advocacy & Policy Influence: IWAC actively engages in identifying and addressing barriers faced by immigrant and refugee women, working towards policy reforms that promote equity and inclusion.
- Community Engagement: Members collaborate on projects that celebrate cultural diversity, enhance community integration, and build supportive networks.
- Capacity Building: Through workshops and training, IWAC empowers women with leadership skills, enabling them to drive change within their communities.
Impact and Achievements
Since its inception, IWAC has Highlighted Critical Issues: Brought attention to challenges such as underemployment of skilled immigrant women and the mental health impacts of immigration.
- Fostered Collaboration: Partnered with organizations like the 10aday Campaign and Peace Geeks to address settlement issues, including child care.
- Inspired Change: Empowered members to advocate for improved services and policies, ensuring that the voices of immigrant women are heard and valued.
Consider joining IWAC: Immigrant Women’s Advisory Committee
WLD Newsletter
Stay up to date with PIRS Women’s Leadership & Development news and events.
Women’s Leadership & Development
Unrealized Potential: Challenges Faced by Immigrant Healthcare Professionals in BC,
Two IWAC participants conducted a survey to find out and understand the obstacles immigrant healthcare professionals currently face to practice their professions in British Columbia where there’s a huge shortage of such workforce. This report shares the result of the survey completed by 54 and also provides a list of resources for newcomers seeking professional accreditation and opportunity to practice as a health care professional in Canada.
We Support You: Parenting Resource for Newcomer Families
Three IWAC participants created this parenting and family resource to provide practical tools for newcomer families to promote well-being, integration, and connection in their new environment. It consists of two main resources: Educational Worksheets designed to strengthen family bonds and support children in their adaptation; and Guide Maps showing specific family service resources about education, health and wellness, and promoting positive experiences in the cities of New Westminster and Coquitlam.
BuildHer Future Website
A website showcasing the collaborative work of two IWAC participants with the goal of addressing the skilled labor shortage through inclusion, awareness and capacity building for immigrant women in the trades sector in British Columbia. Currently, the website hosts blog posts to raise awareness about the issues, and eventually will create and share skills upgrading opportunities for the desired audience.
Employment Scam Awareness Video
Immigrant Women Advisory Committee 2024 (IWAC 3) program participants (Bassema and Marcia) created a short video to spread awareness among racialized immigrants, refugees, and newcomers about the risks of falling prey to employment scam in digital spaces. They also share tips about how to avoid such scams.
Breaking Barriers: Immigrant Women’s Voices in the Canadian Workplace
Immigrant Women Advisory Committee 2024 (IWAC 3) program participants shared their personal stories about breaking barriers to creating inclusive, safe and discrimination-free workplaces in this report that also analyses the stories in light of the Women’s Economic Councils 50/30 Challenges, and offers recommendations for more inclusive and safer workplaces.
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