About IWSO

Creating Positive Change in Women’s Lives

“I left my native country of Angola and came to Canada for many reasons – mainly because of the security. A counselor at IWSO is helping me get through all the difficulties I face. Through this women’s organization I have learned to understand the value of women and their rights. My ambition is to study and learn more and more.”

- Elisa

“ I immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong. My four years experience as a student nurse in England confirmed my commitment to help those who do not know where to turn for help in their newly adopted country. I can still keenly remember how desperately lonely and helpless I felt when I was alone in England. I cannot fathom how much more stressful it must be for those women and children who are in abusive situations. That is why I have chosen to volunteer for IWSO. Also Canada has been very kind to me! “I am a dentist and health educator from Mexico. I am now living with my 9 years old son in Canada. I am a survivor of domestic violence. Thanks to all the support and help from IWSO I was able to get back on my feet.”

- Julieta

“I am from Ghana, West Africa. I left my country and my 4 year old son because of my abusive situation. In Canada I was in a dangerous marriage but I was able to leave. It was very scary to be an immigrant in Canada without knowing what my rights were – this made my abuser stronger. There are many women like me who do not know their rights. I give thanks to the Ottawa Police, Family Service Centre, IWSO, Ottawa Carleton Immigrant Services, Support Link and my Lawyer. With their help I feel strong.”

- Lydia

“IWSO is an important organization which meets the needs of a specific and growing part of the population. That this organization can help women in their own language and within the cultural norms, at the same time as teaching what is acceptable and appropriate within a Canadian context, is a great service to women.”

- Supporter