Each of us has a different way of expressing our feeling for the WOMEN OF ACTION program, but what really matters is that the mainobjective has been achieved, the message and essenceof the program through its positive content achieve penetrate every one of thewomen who are part of this project and it planted a seed in our skills andknowledge to implement from here on.

When I first heard about "Women of Action", I was confused. It was a totally new concept to me. Even though we are living in the 21st Century; modern times, with rapidly developing technology that allows us to travel anywhere and conduct all kinds of social and scientific experiments, this phrase "Women of Action" made me want to explore what it was all about. Until you're in "Women of Action", you can't find any exact word to describe it and yet it didn't disappoint, and I am so very grateful that I didn't miss it. The wonderful facilitator  Laura, and my amazing new friends. The entire experience filled my summer with excitement, and ended up being the best time I've had since coming to Canada. I learned a lot about this democratic, friendly, welcoming, developed country. "Women of Action" brings the globe together in one room, making it burst with diversity, letting us know that this world, and especially Canada isn't just about one of us, it's about all of us. We shared our cultures, history, food, ideas, and we exchanged our opinions, experiences, and suggestions. We would come to agreements and conclusions which would highlight our own journeys in this country. This summer we learned how to use our passions, enthusiasms, wisdom, and collaborations, to open new doors, and lead us into a brighter future rich with possibilities. That the world isn't about racialism, discrimination, war, religion, or political views, it's about positive attitude, acceptance, understanding, opportunity, and peace. "Women of Action" showed us the empowerment we were searching for, and carrying within us no matter wherewe are or where we were. We just needed to realize that we are women, and weare leaders. I'm very proud to be a "Woman of Action", and to learn so much from each of the other women too. I am also very happy to have met the kind-hearted facilitator Laura. She helped me feel powerful during a time of great difficulty in my life, and I am proud of IWC which equipped so many of us with dedicated facilitators and instructors.

Another important opinion:

HEBA ALI 

Having lived in Canada for the last 4 years of my life, I was almost certain that I have a fair knowledge of all Canada 's efforts to assist immigrants like me; from basic settlement support, assistance in housing, education, healthcare up to English link classes, all was available efficiently and incredibly mandatory. However as an immigrant I thought that was the end of the road for my family and me; just better integration and indulgence in the Canadian culture was the target. As an immigrant, to be deeply involved in my close community and the country's overall socioeconomic, political and day today actions were not possible. To have a heard voice without a right in elections, to speak my thoughts and turn them to real actions, to exercise civic engagement with its full potential was a dream that came true in the "Women of Action" program delivered by the Immigrant Women Centre of Hamilton. Leader ship, facilitation,fundraising, networking and strategic planning skills were among some of our learnt skills. The definition of power, capacity building, asset mapping, and civic engagement were thoroughly discussed over a period of 3 months continuously. The group comprised of women from different parts of the world, as immigrant's mothers, wives we shared the same struggles, hopes and aspiration. We enjoyed  sharing the common grounds we all stood upon, and although we were like the UN, harmony, understanding, respect and compassion featured our group debates ,activities and projects. We were empowered to change our future, armed with required skills, encouraged to speak our hearts and minds and finally ready to powerfully engage in our community to change and make a difference The "Women of Action" program has set us free from being aliens, now the sky is our limit.

REAL WOMEN OF ACTION