Statement: Peace. Equity. Justice.

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March 26th, 2026

As a feminist organization committed to peace, equity, justice, and human rights, we have a responsibility to speak out in the face of escalating war and violence.

As conflict and displacement continue to intensify across the globe, including, but certainly not limited to Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon and across the wider region, we acknowledge the profound impact these events are having on people and communities, including members of YWCA Toronto.

This violence deepens instability, endangers civilian lives, and reinforces systems of oppression that feminist movements have long resisted.

War is not abstract. War is a feminist issue. It harms women and children, sets back human rights, and reinforces existing inequalities. The human cost is immense. For this reason, we denounce war and the suffering it brings.

We mourn every life taken and reject the normalization of militarization and violence in all of its forms. We condemn the use of feminist discourse as a justification for war, wherever it occurs.

We condemn the use of gender based violence as a weapon of war, wherever it occurs and by whomever it is committed.

We extend our solidarity to all those seeking safety and resisting oppression. We urge for a renewed commitment to a just and lasting peace grounded in humanity, equity, and international law.

While none of us can resolve a crisis of this scale alone, we can choose to act in ways that reflect our values. We can support one another, create space for dialogue and understanding, and show up with empathy, intention, and solidarity.

Now more than ever, we are called to anchor ourselves in our shared humanity – and to care for one another with compassion and respect.
 

MEDIA
Sami Pritchard, Director of Advocacy and Communications, YWCA Toronto
437.286.9627 | spritchard@ywcatoronto.org