City for All Women Initiative (CAWI)

Ottawa City Council's "corporate visioning"process will receive a gender-lens analysis this week with the release of a"peach paper" on municipal governance by the City for All Women Initiative(CAWI).

City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) is a partnership between women from diverse communities, community organizations, academics and the City of Ottawa.

"Our city can become a better place to live when the ideas and concerns of women from all backgrounds are taken into account. Those of us who are Aboriginal, immigrant, francophone, visible minority, living on low-income or with disabilities face specific challenges in sharing our insights with municipal decision makers."

"Our aim is to strengthen the capacity of the full diversity of women and theCity of Ottawa to work in partnership so as to create a more inclusive city and promote gender equality. We assist the City of Ottawa in using a Gender Equality Lens in decision making. "

Community women associated with CAWI wear peach scarves when engaging with City Council. It is our way of saying that across our diversity, we share common concerns. We have the power to make a difference... Our Views Matter!