Women United
Imagine a world full of opportunity
Women United members make a difference where they live, advocate for change, and create a brighter future for women and girls. Together, we can ensure all women have the supports they need to thrive.
Upcoming event
Disruptive Dialogue 2025: Investing in Women’s Leadership
Accelerate action. Celebrate women. Inspire change.
This March, Women United is celebrating International Women’s Day and we invite you to join us. Show your support and help us raise $10,000 to create safer communities for women and girls.
Global movement. Local impact.
There are more than 70,000+ Women United members worldwide—across six countries and 165 communities. As part of this powerful movement, our members leverage their time, talents, and funds to empower women in our communities to build strong, independent lives.
The stats may surprise you
Discrimination at work, violence at home, struggles to break the cycle of poverty—these are just some of the stark realities facing women, girls, and gender-diverse people in our region. Together, we can tackle these challenges at the local level.
2X
The rate at which women leaders are mistaken for junior employees is twice that of their male peers across North America
2 of 3
Almost two-thirds (63.1%) of families in emergency shelters in Ottawa were headed by single mothers in 2023.
8
Of the 62 femicides in Ontario between 2023 and 2024, 8 took place in Ottawa.
How Women United makes lasting change
United Way East Ontario's Women United makes a difference in these four areas:
Addressing gender-based violence
Ensuring women and girls are safe from abuse and have support to rebuild.
Empowering women in leadership
Providing training and opportunities for women and girls to develop as leaders in our community.
Supporting young mothers and their children
Helping new mothers with resources, education, and community support for their families’ health and success.
Building an equitable economy
Investing in job skills, education, and financial stability so women, especially those in vulnerable situations, can achieve economic independence.
We make measurable change happen by investing in two distinct ways:
- Community Action Grants supporting small, grassroots initiatives in our region’s most vulnerable areas. These grants support women to become leaders, identifying and executing on small initiatives for the betterment of their communities.
- United Way’s Community Fund going where it’s needed most and will have the greatest impact to improve the lives of women and girls across our region.
Equity and inclusion
When we use the term “women,” we include all individuals who identify as women. We also support and stand in solidarity with girls, gender-diverse individuals, and others who are disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers to opportunity. We believe that community expertise and lived experience must guide our work, ensuring that those most affected are central to the solutions. Our funding focuses on removing barriers and providing resources and opportunities to women and girls that help build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone can thrive.
We welcome all, because meaningful change is only possible when we are all part of the solution. Together, we can create a world full of opportunities, for everyone.
Latest news and stories
Join our community
You can be part of this group of trailblazers creating a lasting impact.
Women United is a diverse, vibrant community of visionaries and change makers bound together by a powerful sense of belonging — to one another and to our mission of transforming the lives of women.
As a Women United member, you can …
Participate in the investment of our Community Action Grants as part of our Assessment Team.
Connect with like-minded individuals at our signature events.
Feel more connected to local issues you care about through unique member opportunities like meeting grant recipients, building kits for women fleeing violence, or attending advocacy events.
See the impact of your giving and the measurable difference your donation makes in our quarterly newsletter, United Way’s annual report, and storytelling.
Meet the Women United Champions
At Women United, we believe that when women lead, communities thrive. Our Women United Champions are a dedicated group of leaders who are committed to making a lasting impact for women and girls across our region. Through their advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership, they are helping to create a more equitable future. We are proud to introduce these six inspiring women using their voices and influence to help drive meaningful change.
Kristine Dawson
Executive leader, strategic planning specialist, community advocate, and champion for women’s empowerment.
“I’m inspired to contribute to the mission of transforming the lives of women, those who identify as women, and their families.”
Jennifer Francis
High tech mentor, advisor, investor, and founding member of Women United
"I am passionate about helping women in all walks of life build leadership skills and confidence to advance in their chosen careers and change the culture.”
Rebekah Kletke
Chief Operations Officer at the House of Commons Administration
“Representation matters. When women have a voice in setting direction, policy and action we can move toward more equitable workplaces and communities.”
Robyn Lockwood
Senior Branch Manager at BMO Financial Group
“I believe that when you invest in women, you’re supporting passionate, dedicated change makers. Women bring incredible value and strength to every space we enter.”
Shannon Lundquist
Vice Chair and Federal Practice Leader at Deloitte Canada
“The biggest issue facing women today continues to be inequity. Until we attain equity in all aspects (employment, healthcare, etc.) all other issues impacting women will continue to be secondary.”
Krista Pearson
Vice President of Student Services at Algonquin College
“I believe all who identify as women have an important role in facilitating community connections and creating networks that make our communities more inclusive, safe, and supportive.”
Why their work matters
Women United Champions exemplify the power of collective action. Their leadership helps to support programs and initiatives that empower women and girls, address key social challenges, and foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Donate and become a member
Every donation to Women United helps women across our region. Our most robust membership level is for individuals who make an annual contribution of $1200 or more, but Supporter-level memberships begin with a minimum donation of $300.
Donors to United Way East Ontario can designate a gift to Women United to become a member. Gifts can be made as one-time, monthly or payroll deduction through your workplace campaign.
We’re happy to help. To learn more about membership levels and benefits, please contact Jen Brown, Manager Donor Relations and Women United, at 613-683-4321.
Stay in touch
Subscribe to our mailing list for more information about our work, our impact, and how you can get involved.
In our quarterly newsletter, you’ll find:
- Inspiring stories about the tangible difference we make in real people’s lives.
- Community event invites and volunteer opportunities.
- Helpful highlights from our partners and updates on Women United initiatives.
- Steps you can take to make lasting, meaningful change where you live.
Catch up on previous editions:
