A Journey of Safety, Healing and Independence
For many of the women we serve, the journey with Maama Watali begins in moments of crisis. Black and racialised women face some of the highest rates of gender-based violence in Ottawa, yet encounter some of the greatest barriers to safety, justice and culturally informed support. Through trauma-aware, survivor-centred interventions, we help women reclaim dignity, rebuild stability and begin healing in environments rooted in compassion and cultural understanding.
The Pillars
Healing is only the first step. At Maama Watali, we believe that every survivor has the right not only to be safe, but also to be economically independent, socially confident and fully engaged in shaping her community. The Seven Pillars were designed to support this complete journey from crisis, to recovery, to leadership. Women who overcome violence with Maama Watali do not simply survive; they rise into entrepreneurs, mentors, advocates, community builders and knowledge-holders whose stories shape better systems for others.
Our programs work together to strengthen the whole person and the whole family. Through economic empowerment, early learning supports, youth pathways, financial inclusion, personal leadership development, the creation of safe, dignified environments and dedicated research and knowledge creation, the Seven Pillars form a continuum of care, evidence and opportunity. Each pillar contributes to long-term stability and the flourishing of women, youth and children, proving that when women rebuild their lives and their stories are heard, entire communities rise with them.
01
Freedom to Flourish
Restoring identity, belonging and purpose
How we do it
We facilitate reflective workshops, storytelling circles and guided mentorship rooted in African values and faith-informed traditions. Activities such as art therapy, journalling and intergenerational dialogues support emotional healing and self-awareness. Participants use this renewed sense of self to lead initiatives, mentor peers and uplift their communities.
Target Audience
This pillar serves women and youth engaging more than 600 participants each year.
The Problem
Many racialised women and youth feel disconnected from their identity and purpose while navigating systems that do not reflect them.
The Solution
Freedom to Flourish restores a sense of identity, belonging and purpose by aligning spiritual grounding with personal leadership and contribution.
Impact
The results include improved mental well-being, renewed confidence and stronger civic engagement. Freedom to Flourish provides a critical path of healing for women recovering from gender-based violence.
02
Safety, Dignity and Inclusion
Survivor centered, trauma-informed support
How we do it
We coordinate survivor circles, advocacy training and partnerships with legal, housing and healthcare agencies. Survivors participate in designing their own healing journey. Our awareness campaigns and policy advocacy push for systemic change in how institutions support Black women.
Target Audience
This programme supports racialised women, reaching about 1,500 survivors each year.
The Problem
Black women in Ottawa are three times more likely to experience intimate partner violence, yet face limited access to culturally responsive care.
The Solution
Maama Watali provides survivor-centred, trauma-informed programmes that restore safety, dignity and choice.
Impact
Outcomes include increased safety, restored stability and stronger community accountability. The Maama Watali House is the pillar’s most profound expression of long term healing and empowerment.
03
Women's Economic Empowerment
When a woman earns with dignity, her entire family and community benefit
How we do it
We offer practical workshops, one to one coaching and digital modules covering saving, budgeting, credit management and business finance. Through partnerships with CIBC Foundation, credit unions and fintech organisations, participants gain direct access to inclusive financial products.
Target Audience
This pillar serves women and youth aged 18 to 55, reaching about 1,200 participants each year.
The Problem
Black women entrepreneurs receive less than 0.5 percent of venture funding in Canada, even though they are among the fastest growing entrepreneurial groups.
Impact
Graduates report improved financial health, better access to capital and business growth. Financial inclusion supports long term security, especially for women leaving unsafe environments.
The Solution
Maama Watali bridges this divide by providing financial literacy, coaching and pathways to equitable credit.
04
Financial Inclusion and Partnerships
Bridging the divide to equitable credit
The Problem
Racialised entrepreneurs in Canada face higher denial rates for loans and limited access to financial education.
The Solution
Maama Watali addresses this gap through leadership training, financial literacy and access to capital so that women can launch, grow and sustain businesses. When a woman earns with dignity, her entire family and community benefit.
How we do it
We deliver this work through accelerators, mentorship circles and partnerships with micro finance institutions, angel investors and banks. Participants receive one to one business coaching, digital transformation support and opportunities to pitch to funders. Our alumni network provides ongoing mentorship and collaboration.
Target Audience
This pillar serves Black and immigrant women aged 25 to 55, supporting more than 500 entrepreneurs each year.
Impact
Outcomes include increased income, stronger businesses and new jobs created for others. Economic empowerment builds generational wealth and is especially vital for women who are rebuilding after gender-based violence.
05
Early Childhood Development and Learning Through Play
Building strong foundations through play-based learning
How we do it
We work through community hubs with trained mentors, volunteer teachers and partnerships with libraries and settlement agencies. The programme focuses on reading fluency, numeracy games and social emotional learning.
Target Audience
This pillar supports children aged 1 to 6, particularly from low income, newcomer and single-mother households, impacting about 360 children annually.
The Problem
One in four racialised children in Canada begins school without a strong foundation in literacy or numeracy.
The Solution
Maama Watali addresses this through our Homework and Mentorship Clubs, which provide structured after school learning and play.
Impact
Results include literacy gains above 60 percent, improved school attendance and reduced caregiver stress. For children from homes affected by violence, this creates stability and a sense of belonging.
06
Research and Knowledge Creation
Turning lived experiences into evidence, insight and innovation
The Problem
Too often, the experiences of survivors are invisible, and the lessons in their journeys are never captured in ways that change systems or practice.
How we do it
We work through community hubs with trained mentors, volunteer teachers and partnerships with libraries and settlement agencies. The programme focuses on reading fluency, numeracy games and social emotional learning.We collect and analyse data through impact stories, case studies, program evaluations and community-based research. This includes documenting how gender-based violence affects women socially, economically and emotionally, as well as highlighting positive stories of women who rebuild their lives, re-engage in their communities and contribute to stronger families and neighbourhoods. We work alongside survivors, practitioners, academics and partner organizations to ensure that our knowledge is ethical, accurate and grounded in real life.
The Solution
Maama Watali is working to change that by turning lived experience into evidence, insight and innovation. Our Research and Knowledge Creation pillar documents success stories, impact stories and healing pathways for women who have survived gender-based violence. By making these stories visible, we help Canada understand both the harm caused by violence and the power of recovery when women are properly supported.
Impact
Over time, this pillar will build a growing repository of resources for Canada, focused on what works for Black and other racialised women. These materials will include research briefs, tools and case studies that inform other organisations and frontline workers, guide funders and shape policy. Research becomes both a mirror and a catalyst: it reflects the truth of women’s lives and sparks new, evidence-informed innovations that help women heal, rise and lead.
07
Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Pathways
Equipping young people with skills for dignified work
The Problem
Black youth unemployment in Canada remains nearly double the national average.
How we do it
We run incubation hubs, leadership training, digital skills bootcamps and apprenticeships through partnerships with colleges, technology firms and professional networks. Alumni receive continuous support through our Enterprise Network.
Target Audience
This pillar serves Black and immigrant youth aged 16 to 29, supporting about 1,000 youth annually.
Impact
Participants gain employability skills, start businesses or transition into stable employment. This pillar is especially impactful for youth from families affected by violence and instability.
The Solution
Maama Watali equips young people with practical skills, mentorship and opportunities to access dignified work or start their own ventures.
Women who overcome violence with Maama Watali do not simply survive; they rise into entrepreneurs, mentors, advocates, community builders and knowledge-holders whose stories shape better systems for others