S.T.E.P.S (Sisters in Truth, Equality, Power & Strength) is a 12-week program developed in collaboration with Ontario YWCAs through the YWCA Toronto Girls' Centre. The flexible and customizable program, designed for girls and young women from ages 8-18, works from the perspective that girls and young women offer valuable knowledge as a result of their lived experiences and that these lived experiences need to be valued as sources of knowledge.

S.T.E.P.S is facilitated in local schools and community centers during a scheduled time, and can also be delivered as an after school activity.

Creating a Safe Space The program aims to create a space where girls and young women feel supported and safe.

Developing Skills For Healthy Relationships S.T.E.P.S focuses on giving girls and young women skills to create healthy relationships in their lives, not only with dating relationships but in their friendships and families. When girls and young women learn skills to create healthy relationships in their lives they bring those skills into their homes, schools and communities and share with those they care about.

Reducing Isolation, Increasing Inclusion S.T.E.P.S is also concerned with helping reduce girls and young women's feelings of isolation and instead create feelings of safety and equality.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills S.T.E.P.S is an opportunity for girls and young women to develop critical thinking skills to challenge the often negative representation of girls and young women in our world.

Developing Leadership Skills S.T.E.P.S is a space for young women to develop leadership skills in order to create change in their communities and educate their peers.

Having Fun! S.T.E.P.S is a great place to make new friends!

Topics Include: Communication; Assertiveness and conflict resolution; Internet safety; Gender based violence; Unhealthy relationships; Healthy relationships; Physical activity and healthy eating; Body image and self-esteem; Stress management; and any additional topics the group would like to discuss.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in finding out more about the S.T.E.P.S program or bringing it into your school or community space please contact Kaitlyn McQuaid, Girl's Programming Coordinator at (519) 267-6444, or by email