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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:

  • The Joyce Foundation
  • Junior League of Edmonton
  • United Way

Support YWCA’s programs and learn how to   

become a donor. 

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

Program details

Who can participate

GirlSpace is open to anyone who identifies as a girl between the ages of 11-18.

GirlSpace is a safe space that welcomes and supports all members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. 

Partners

edmonton-multicultural-coalition-logo-web
reach-edmonton-logo-web

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

Register online

Stay in-the-know!

Receive updates and reminders about the 2020/21 program year.

Join our email list

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.

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

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