Learn About WAVE’S Work
Empowering Change: Ask Her Expands to Edmonton to Champion Gender Parity for 2025
One of the strategic goals WAVE is championing is to empower women and gender-diverse individuals to take an active role in municipal government. However, statistics reveal that women often need to be asked three times before they even consider running for office.
In the last week of August 2024, WAVE members had an inspiring meeting with Harnoor Kochar, a board member of Ask Her, an organization dedicated to preparing women and gender-diverse people to enter the political sphere. Their program, Prepare Her, which originated in Calgary and its surrounding areas, is now set to expand into Edmonton.
But does Ask Her’s program actually help people get their foot in the door? Harnoor shared some compelling evidence of its success:
“In the 2021 municipal elections, 13 former participants of our program ran for municipal government or school board trustee positions. Today, four of them serve as elected City Councillors: two in Calgary, one in Airdrie, and another in Okotoks.”
With their expansion into Edmonton, this is a prime opportunity to gain essential skills and acumen for municipal politics through practical, hands-on sessions and knowledge to help run a successful campaign. Even though Edmonton has reached gender parity on City Council, there remains a pressing need for more women and gender-diverse voices to influence decision-making and drive change. With the next Municipal Election scheduled for October 20, 2025, now is a perfect time to get involved! This program is great not only for those wanting to enter the political sphere themselves, but also for those who want to be involved by working on political campaigns as part of the team.
WAVE Member Stella Igweamaka believes in the power of this initiative. She sees it as a crucial step toward increasing representation in politics and leadership, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued. Stella also recognizes that Ask Her’s program can be a lifeline for those who may lack the financial means to afford such opportunities, making it accessible to all who aspire to lead.
Applications for Prepare Her are currently open, and the deadline to apply has been extended to September 11. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference! Please see the links below to apply and learn more about Ask Her!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askheryyc/
Twitter: https://x.com/askheryyc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ask-her-yyc/
Apply Here! https://askheryyc.org/about-prepare-her
J Percy Page High School visit with student leaders
On May 7, 2024, WAVE had the opportunity to speak to the student leadership class at J. Percy Page High School. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Neale for this wonderful opportunity. It was a pleasure to discuss the importance of WAVE and the significance of gender equity.
A special thank you to WAVE members Areezah, Julianne, Olu, Echo, Tiwa, and our Admin Liaison Christine for sharing their insights with the students.
And a big thank you to Councillor Keren Tang for joining us and sharing with the students her experience and perspectives as a City Councillor for Ward Karhiio.
We hope that all the students had a fantastic time learning about WAVE and engaging in our human library!
Recap of Equity in Motion Episode 4: Equity in Community Culture
Last night's Equity in Motion event was an unforgettable evening, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success. You can watch all the Equity in Motion events on our Youtube Channel here.
Thank you to our esteemed panelists Lana Whiskeyjack, Linda Hoang, and Rochelle Ignacio who shared their inspiring stories, leaving us all deeply moved and motivated.
A special thank you to WAVE Co-Chair Juliane Threlfall for expertly moderating the panel discussion.
We're grateful to Councillor Keren Tang for delivering an outstanding keynote address, and to Councillor Andrew Knack for gracing us with his presence.
Kudos to WAVE’s Projects Subcommittee and its Co-Chairs, Areezah Jiwa & Maria George, for their tireless efforts in organizing this phenomenal event.
Huge appreciation goes out to Christine Causing, WAVE Administrative Liaison from the City of Edmonton, for her invaluable support and guidance.
A shoutout to the fantastic Parodos team—Marliss, Randy, Evan, and Holly—for helping us effectively share our stories.
We extend our gratitude to the YWCA Edmonton for their warm hospitality, and to Upper Crust Catering for providing delicious snacks.
A big thank you to all the WAVE members who rallied behind this event, your support is truly appreciated.
Last but not least, heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to join us. Your presence enriched our community, and we hope you departed with valuable insights to carry forward.
We look forward to continuing to host events like Equity in Motion. Stay tuned as we prepare to organize further gatherings that will foster connections within Edmonton's vibrant community
Recap of Equity in Motion Episode 1: Governance
WAVE hosted its first Equity in Motion event at the YWCA Edmonton on September 27, 2023. Our speakers included Councillor Erin Rutherford, MLA Janis Irwin and former ED of Ribbon Rouge Foundation, Funke Olokude who shared their uniquely inspiring journey in governance. The event offered the community the opportunity to learn more about women and gender-diverse individuals who work and have been involved in governance in their careers, especially underrepresented groups, who would benefit from and feel empowered by the stories of panellists.
Overall, our hope for this event is to emphasize the importance of women in governance positions, the importance of community engagement in governance, and to empower women and gender-diverse folk to participate in governance. We want our audience to be aware that governance comes in many forms (leadership roles politically and within community organizations), to be encouraged to take on those roles and to hear some advice for them along the way.
We recorded the event! You can watch the event on our Youtube Channel here.
Recap of Equity in Motion Episode 2: STEM
Equity in Motion Episode 2 took place on November 29 at AMII with a discussion that focused on the intersection of STEM. The lineup of panellists that included: Dr. Ania Ulrich, U of A, Melanie Bayley, ATCO, and Stephanie Enders, AMII who brought diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the table, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and possibilities in promoting a more equitable society through STEM. Thank you to everyone who attended our event!
Recap of Equity in Motion Episode 3: EDI in Profit and Non-Profit Sectors
WAVE hosted its 3rd Equity in Motion event. Thank you to all the speakers: Katie MacMillan, Kello Inclusive, Katherine O’Neil, YWCA Edmonton, Marni Panas, ATCO, and Mallory Yawnghwe, Indigenous Box and moderator Sarah Chan. Attendees were invited to join an evening filled with candid conversations, shared experiences, and actionable insights from a diverse panel of business and community leaders. The event emphasized the importance of addressing challenges through an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lens, with panelists sharing their unique perspectives, experiences, and strategies for navigating EDI in their careers. Thanks to the YWCA Edmonton for providing a wonderful space to host our events!
Vehicle for Hire
For many years, WAVE has been committed to ensuring vehicle for hires such as taxis and ride shares in Edmonton are safe and accessible for women and gender diverse individuals. In 2021 there was a motion by Edmonton City Council to amend the current Vehicle For Hire (VFH) bylaw. WAVE and the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) presented to Council (View Presentation, 2022). In 2022, WAVE wrote a letter to Edmonton City Council and VFH and share its concerns on the driving and training requirements for VFH.
As a result of WAVE’s recommendations, Edmonton City Council approved the motion to amend the current VFH bylaw to add more driver education for customer safety and accessibility/ disability considerations.
News Article: Edmonton advocacy groups call for safer, more accessible taxis, Global News, Posted March 7, 2022
News Article: Accessibility, gender equity groups call for quick action on taxi safety improvements, Published Mar 05, 2022
WAVE will continue to work with Vehicle for Hire at the City of Edmonton to provide feedback and advice after milestones are achieved in the creation of the driver education program being added to the VFH bylaw.
WAVE at City Hall School
Across Edmonton, members of WAVE, have been actively engaged in raising awareness about our mission and the abundant leadership opportunities available within our community. With a vision of an inclusive and empowered Edmonton for all women and gender-diverse individuals, our mission is centred on harnessing the collective strength of our community.
As part of our ongoing efforts, WAVE Administrative Liaison, Christine Causing and WAVE members have been invited to talk to City Hall School about the importance of gender equity and women leadership. By engaging with students and educators, we aim to inform and inspire the next generation, emphasizing the importance of respect, inclusion, diversity and empowerment.
WAVE’S Annual Reports
WAVE’s annual report offers a glimpse into WAVE's extensive work over the years, showcasing its dedication to impactful initiatives. From advocating to gender equity to community empowerment, WAVE's commitment shines through in key milestones and collaborative efforts highlighted in its reports.
Annual Report Year 1 - 2014/2015
Annual Report Year 2 - 2015/2016
Annual Report Year 3 - 2016/2017
Annual Report Year 4 - 2018/2019
Annual Report Year 5 - 2019/2020
Annual Report Year 6 - 2021/2022
Annual Report Year 7 - 2022-2023
WAVE’S Past Reports
Edmonton Women's Quality of Life Scorecard (February 2017)
Past Events and Projects
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Women’s Symposium
The 2018 Women’s Symposium: Finding your impact, influence, and inspiration was held February 10, 2018. This one day conference was an exciting and informative opportunity to hear from diverse and dynamic speakers, learn about topics and issues relevant to women, and connect with others.
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Women's Initiative Video
In 2016 when the Women’s Initiative was active, it shared this video to explain the importance of understanding gender challenges.