We are a diverse group of women who have been organizing to end the growing silence and invisibility of girls' and women's voices and issues on the political agenda in the City of Toronto.  Poverty, homelessness, un- and under-employment, racist and domestic violence and sexual abuse is an overwhelming reality for many girls and women. How actively is the City addressing these critical issues for women? How much of the budget is allocated to addressing the priorities of the diverse women of Toronto?

Toronto Women’s City Alliance (TWCA) was formed in 2004 by a diverse group of women who have been organizing to end the growing silence and invisibility of girls' and women's voices and issues from the political agenda in the City of Toronto. Poverty, homelessness, unemployment and under-employment, gender discrimination, and domestic violence and sexual abuse remain the alarming realities for many girls and women.   The TWCA has worked to make women visible and audible in local government in Toronto by pursuing concrete actions in six priority areas:

· Governance (Gender Mainstreaming in Municipal Programs and Policy)
· Violence against women  
· Affordable housing 
· Policing 
· Childcare (accessibility and affordability) 
· Environment  

Our Goals:
1. Ensuring political commitment to and action on anti-racism and gender equity; 

2. Removing barriers to women's active participation in all spheres of public life;

3. Securing an equal share in all decision-making processes; 

4. Institutionalizing inclusive, democratic and participatory processes; 

5. Supporting women across their diverse backgrounds to meet their rights and needs     through systemic institutional change; and 

6. Reversing cutbacks to services to women and initiate gender-responsive budgeting.

Agenda for Action:

We advocate for anti-racist, anti-poverty, and gender mainstreaming for Toronto.

Cities that engage the diversity of their citizens in collaborative planning, budgeting and decision making also succeed in adapting to change and being innovative in this global era. Internationally, cities in numerous countries such as Brazil, Namibia, Peru, the Philippines and South African are working with local women’s groups to gender mainstream local governance.  Toronto is Canada’s largest city.  Our government should show leadership for women’s equality and equity.

TWCA’s New Deal for Women in Toronto:
· 50% representation of women on City Council and in senior management
· Establishing a Toronto Women’s Equalities Office. 

 To get involved or learn more send us an e-mail or give us a call by clicking on the Contact Us link at the top of the page.  You can also join our listserv by sending an e-mail to torontowomen-subscribe@yahoogroups.com with the word ‘subscribe’ in the subject line. Include your name and affiliation if any.