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United Nations
initiaves
The Mary Ward Centre is committed to education and advocacy for the dignity and rights all people, acknowledging the universal cry “nothing about us, without us.” We have special concern for women and children and those most vulnerable in society, including newcomers and migrants. We are committed to the process of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of this land.
We promote the achievement of the 2030 Agenda - the Sustainable Development Goals - through advocacy at local levels (provincial and national) and globally (United Nations). Our work is informed by the lived experiences of young people and migrant workers in Canada. Read our civil society report No One Left Behind? An intersectional analysis of the 2030 Agenda in Canada.
Gender Equality for Girls
We invite girls (aged 12 - 17 years) at schools within our Loretto network to participate in gender empowerment initiatives through the United Nations NGO Working Group on Girls. Girls advocate for their rights alongside girls from around the world at annual events for International Day of the Girl (October 11) and International Women's Day (March 8).
National Child Day, celebrated annually on November 20, commemorates the United Nations' adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of Child in 1989. We offer educational and spiritual resources to help individuals and organizations promote and celebrate the rights of children. See our Resources page for free downloadable materials.
In collaboration with the IBVM/CJ UN Office, we offer an advocacy program for high school students. Students learn about the UN system, how to advocate for change, and have the opportunity to participate virtually (and in-person when feasible) in UN meetings such as the Commission on the Status of Women, High Level Political Forum, and the Commission on Social Development. See our brochure for more information.
We support the efforts of the Loretto Sisters in their commitment to Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. We contribute to actions to further the Laudato Si Action Platform and creation care through organizations like the Laudato Si Movement Canada.
Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is a process. Through our work, we do not aim for immediate resolutions, closure or once and for all settlement of justice issues. We aim to build relationships of friendship, trust, respect and justice with the Indigenous Peoples of this land. We commit to undergo transformative processes to decolonize our ways of being to bring about systemic change.