“Women @ Work” a success

For two-and-a-half days nearly 50 single mothers gathered at Cascade Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C. for a conference designed to inspire, motivate and equip them as they seek to come off income assistance and re-enter the workforce (a requirement once their youngest child is three years of age.) The conference, called Women @ Work, gave women an opportunity to meet others like them, learn about their own strengths and weaknesses, meet employers and gather information necessary for their job search.

“I’m here to get tools,” said Dawn, a single mother with three children at home, who was eager to have the conference begin so that she could start to look for work. Others around her table were also keen to be at the conference and connect with women who could help them.

As the days unfolded, participants heard keynote speakers like Wendy McClelland, who has been a single mother for nine years and has overcome many personal obstacles as she has worked at successful careers. Kelly Rader encouraged women to dare to dream and offered practical advice for working towards fulfilling those dreams. Mission City Councillor Jenny Stevens inspired the group as she shared her personal journey of single motherhood while dealing with the disability of blindness – although Stevens would consider her blindness less a disability and more of a “bright and marvellous opportunity”. Workshops covered topics like “Values and Beliefs,” “Exploring Self Employment,” and “First Impressions and Personal Presentation.”

Highlights of the conference included a “True Colours” workshop, a panel discussion of women working in non-traditional jobs like construction sites, and the great meals served each day.

“The biggest draw for me was the mentorship,” said Myra. Each participant left the conference with an Action Plan and a mentor (another woman who will follow up with her every two weeks for six months) who will offer help, advice and encouragement.

The conference ended with a fashion show where selected participants who had haircuts and makeovers served as models and showed clothing appropriate for the workplace. Mayor Mary Reeves gave the closing address, encouraging the group to look to themselves and each other for strength and support in their journey of motherhood and employment.

Each woman left the conference with a coupon for a haircut and a free outfit from the Boutique at Central Heights Church and many left with door prizes of bath products, make-up or clothing coupons from local stores. But perhaps the most valuable component of the conference was the feeling of empowerment and support.

“I have been so encouraged,” said Naylene. “It’s like lighting a fire, the encouragement that yes, I can do that!”

Women @ Work was sponsored in part by Mennonite Central Committee’s Employment and Community Development department. Its purpose is to help people and communities toward economic self-reliance by empowering them to discover their gifts, develop their abilities, and find sustainable work.

—Angelika Dawson, MCC BC