Programs and Services
GirlSpace

Taking Back Girl Talk
Unique from their male counterparts, girls face high rates of sexual violence and a significant decline in mental health as they enter adolescence and young adulthood. GirlSpaceZ is a virtual after-school program using the Zoom app. It is a safe space that welcomes and supports the many different experiences of being a girl.
GirlSpace is designed to:

Build Skills
including leadership, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

Increase Awareness
of social issues and share strategies and resources for coping and overcoming them.

Foster Resilience
through autonomy, social connectedness, self-awareness, and self-esteem.

Encourage Collaboration
to develop a gender-specific space in which everyone is respected and feels welcome.
GirlSpace is generously supported by:
- Canadian Western Bank
- Joyce Foundation
- Junior League of Edmonton
- TELUS
Support YWCA’s programs and learn how to
How it works
GirlSpaceZ is open to anyone between the ages of 11-18 years old who identifies as a girl. Each week, participants come together virtually in an online group to learn about a topic focused on the specific needs and experiences of girls and young women in Canada. Young women act as both group facilitators and role models, involving the participants in the design of each session.
Topics covered include:
- Healthy Relationships
- Bullying & Harassment
- Influence of the Media
- Self-Esteem
- Body Image
- Digital & Online Safety
- Mental Health
- Physical Health & Nutrition
- Ethnic & Multicultural Awareness
- Healthy Decision-Making
- Violence Against Women –Sexual Assault & Consent
- Substance Use & Addictions
- Sexual Health
- Sexuality & Gender Identity
For older participants only:
- Career Development & Professional Skills
- Financial Matters
- Leadership Skills & Community Engagement
- Civic Engagement & Advocacy
GirlSpaceZ Virtual Program Times
Junior High
Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
October 27, 2020 to March 2021
Open to 11-14 year olds
Senior High
Mondays from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
October 26, 2020 to March 2021
OR
Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
October 28, 2020 to March 2021
Open to 15-18 year olds
Open Group
Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
October 29, 2020 to March 2021
Open to 11-18 year olds
“I always thought I was the only girl who felt she wasn’t good enough, smart enough, pretty enough. Now, I know that I am enough, and I can be anything I want to be. But the best part of GirlSpace? I met my best friend. We go through the hard times together now.”
— GirlSpace® Participant
How to sign up
Stay in-the-know!
Receive updates and reminders about the 2020/21 program year.
For all other inquiries, email us at girlspace@ywcaedm.org.

Host a GirlSpace Program
Is your school interested in hosting a GirlSpace program? Email us at girlspace@ywcaedm.org.

Your SupportMakes a Difference
When you support YWCA Edmonton, you transform the lives of thousands of women and families in need.