Gender equality means having the safety, resources and freedom to shape your own future.
At Radiance, we see how closely those things are connected.
A woman leaving domestic violence may be rebuilding her finances, looking for housing, returning to work or school, and caring for her children, all while deciding what she wants her next chapter to look like.
During Gender Equality Week, we are reflecting on progress that has been made—and reaffirm our commitment to addressing the barriers that continue to limit women’s safety, economic security and choices.
Radiance contributes to this work in two closely connected ways by:
- Supporting women and families as they rebuild after domestic violence.
- Creating greater economic opportunity for women through safe, accessible child care.
Supporting a Future Free from Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, including their physical and emotional health, housing, employment, finances, education, relationships, and sense of belonging.
In Alberta, two in three females have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. This risk is not experienced equally, and some women face additional and overlapping risks. Women and girls between the ages of 15 and 24, Indigenous women, racialized women, newcomers, women with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, and women living in northern, rural or remote communities can experience additional barriers to security and support.
Learn more about gender-based violence in Alberta.
Addressing gender-based violence therefore requires more than helping someone through an immediate crisis. It also means ensuring survivors have time, resources and support as they regain stability, pursue their goals and build lives defined by their own choices.
Creating Pathways From Safety to Possibility
In 2025, Radiance’s second-stage shelter provided safe housing and support to 46 women and 54 children.
Families had a secure place to live while receiving individualized support, counselling, children’s programming and connections to community resources.
Radiance also helps women navigate the practical barriers that can follow family violence. Depending on each woman’s circumstances and goals, this can include support as she transitions to:
- Stable housing in the community
- Employment or career development
- Education and skills training
- Financial and community resources
- Long-term supports for herself and her children
These steps can restore more than stability. They can help restore confidence, independence and the freedom to imagine what comes next.
Every family’s journey is different. Our role is not to decide what their future should look like, but to provide the support, resources and encouragement that help women build the futures they choose.
Economic Security is Part of Gender Equality
The freedom to make choices also depends on economic opportunity.
Women’s participation in Canada’s workforce has reached historic levels, yet barriers remain. In 2025, women between the ages of 25 and 54 who were working full- or part-time earned an average of 89 cents for every dollar earned by men*. The gap is even wider for many Indigenous, Black and racialized women.
Women also continue to take on a disproportionate share of unpaid caregiving responsibilities. Without reliable child care, accepting a job, pursuing education, completing professional training or building a business can be much more difficult.
Accessible childcare is therefore more than a service for children and families. It can be an important part of women’s economic participation and financial security.
*Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/funding/equality-action/women-economy.html
Creating Opportunity Through Radiance Family Day Homes
Radiance Family Day Homes supports women on both sides of the child care equation.
Our licensed day homes are operated by women who receive training and ongoing support from Radiance while running their own home-based child care businesses.
For women, including immigrant and newcomer women—operating a day home can provide a flexible pathway to entrepreneurship and income.
At the same time, families across Greater Calgary gain access to reliable, licensed childcare.
That access makes it possible for another parents=—often a mother— to enter or return to the workforce, complete education or training, and build greater financial stability for their families.
With 65 licensed day homes and plans to expand to 85, Radiance Family Day Homes is creating opportunity on both sides of the child care equation: supporting women as entrepreneurs while helping other parents pursue their own goals.
Meanwhile, children benefit from nurturing, inclusive environments where they can learn, play and build friendships close to home.
Learn more about how Radiance Family Day Homes supports women and families.
Gender Equality Strengthens Our Communities
Gender equality is not achieved through one program, organization or week of awareness. It is built through choices and opportunities available to women every day.
Individuals can contribute by learning about gender-based violence, listening to survivors, challenging harmful attitudes, sharing caregiving responsibilities more equitably and supporting women-owned businesses.
Individuals, employers, governments, and communities all have a role to play in reducing the barriers that can stand in the way of those choices.
At Radiance, we are proud to contribute to that work. Through second-stage shelter, family supports and Radiance Family Day Homes, we are part of creating a future where more women have the security, stability and opportunity to shape their own lives.
Because when women have greater freedom to make choices about their futures, families and communities are stronger too.
Learn how you can support Radiance and help build safer, stronger communities.