Working together to build a better future for women and girls
Since 1875, YWCA Montreal has been empowering women and girls, giving them the tools to thrive and claim their place in society. Through our work, we also strive to reshape social structures to foster equity and inclusion.
Let’s keep building a future that is egalitarian, inclusive, and safe, opening new avenues for women.
Your testimonials are at the heart of our journey. They embody the strength and impact of our mission. We would love to hear from you! Share your story with us.
For the past 150 years, YWCA Montreal has been evolving and adapting to the changing realities of women and girls. Throughout each era, YWCA has addressed their needs and provided them with help, enabling them to chart their course towards a better future.
The YWCA offers direct services to support the autonomy of women and girls, while also raising community awareness about gender inequality and social exclusion. Through their actions, they contribute to long-term social change.
Today, now more than ever, the YWCA is an essential cornerstone, ready to overcome current challenges to build a more just and inclusive future.
Learn about our history!
2025 marks 150 years of YWCA Montreal’s commitment to inclusion, equality, and the well-being of women, as well as to combating all forms of violence against women and girls. Now, more than ever, these values are essential to building a more just society.
This milestone will be celebrated throughout the year with various initiatives highlighting the organization’s impact and evolution. Among these is the submission of an application to the Commission de toponymie de Montréal (Geographical Names Board of Montreal) to honor its founders’ legacy and values.
A year to celebrate the past, affirm the present, and build the future!
The YWCA has intensified its efforts to reduce wage gaps and promote women’s economic autonomy. Through its awareness-raising campaigns and support initiatives for women entrepreneurs, the organization is working towards a future where wage equity is the norm. This fight for equality has been an integral part of its activities since its founding and aligns with a renewed effort—concrete actions that are impacting both public policies and business practices.
In 2018, a year marked by important transitions, the YWCA developed strategic partnerships to boost its impact. Some noteworthy initiatives include an agreement with the Lise Watier Foundation, which made it possible to offer the S’Entreprendre program to the YWCA. This program supports the development of women entrepreneurs. In addition, the YWCA has partnered with the Brin d’Elles housing project. Dedicated to ageing women, this initiative further establishes its commitment to meeting women’s specific needs at every life stage.
In response to the recent economic and health crises, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic, the YWCA adapted its services to meet the immediate needs of women in precarious situations. Mental health, employment, and justice programs have allowed the organization to provide crucial support in times of vulnerability, a testament to the YWCA’s resilience and flexibility.
In 1952, the YWCA moved to its current address on René-Lévesque Blvd., solidifying its presence in Montreal.
In the 1970s, the YWCA positioned itself as the key stakeholder in the fight against violence against women. It offered a safe place and vital support to women victims of domestic violence. The 1975 opening of the Auberge Transition marked an important step: this was the first housing service for women victims of domestic violence and their children. This space provided a refuge and resources to restore the dignity and safety of women in times of crisis.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the YWCA launched leadership development programs for women, providing women with the tools they needed to access positions of power in public, private and community sectors.
These initiatives enabled many women to acquire leadership roles and helped them break through the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries. These programs were crucial to the emancipation of generations of women leaders.
In the 1990s, initiatives like OSE (Orientation and Services for Employment – 1993) were established, and in 1995, the Women’s Y Foundation was founded to support and consolidate these activities.
The YWCA’s engagement extends beyond Quebec borders. From 1917, with the founding of Camp Oolahwan, an innovative summer program providing girls with a safe environment to develop and grow, to the present, the organization has collaborated with international organizations, boosting its impact and its role in promoting gender equality around the world.
This camp allowed many young Quebec women to recharge, develop their leadership skills, and become more involved in society.
Founded in 1875 by visionary women – Mary Cowans McDougall, Mrs. John Sterling, Mrs. Philo D. Brown, Mrs. C. Ault, Mrs. J. McIntosh, Mrs. I. Clarke Murray, Mrs. Isabella G. McIntosh, and Mrs. Charlotte E. Major – YWCA Montreal was born in a time of social and industrial transformation. Its initial goal was to provide a refuge for young women arriving in Montreal, offering them housing, food, and employment.
This founding act represented a bold vision that inspired generations of social and community leaders to dedicate themselves to long-term causes. This model of support and solidarity continues to this day, a testament to resilience and determination in the face of the challenges of each era.
In 1882, the YWCA founded the first nursery school, enabling women to work or study with peace of mind. A culinary arts school was opened in 1895, providing women with valuable training during a time of rapid industrialization.
150 years of solidarity, strength, and transformation – a team making a difference!
Opening new avenues for women:
Housing – to allow women to get re-established in a safe environment – including a temporary social reintegration program as well as community housing with support.
Employability – to support women in their social and professional reintegration – with several support and professional development programs.
Youth – to work toward preventing violence and inequality – with awareness-raising workshops and reference tools for youth and intervention workers in an educational setting.
Community – to reestablish connections and provide support to women – with a legal clinic, mutual aid workshops, social activities and more (conferences, workshops, etc.).
For any information requests or interview inquiries, please contact Patricia Bédard, Director of Communications and Marketing at YWCA Montreal, at the following email address: Pbedard@ydesfemmesmtl.org
Did the YWCA make a difference in your life or that of a close friend or family member? We would love to hear your testimonial, whether it’s a memory or a defining moment.
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Did you participate in a workshop, program, activity, or summer camp? Or were you a volunteer with us?
Every experience counts! We’d love to shine the spotlight on your story this year.
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