Story Highlights:
- On November 7, 2024, nearly 100 attendees gathered for the 5th annual Women United Disruptive Dialogue, which took place at Bayview Yards in Ottawa.
- The event featured thought-provoking discussions on the importance of financial inclusion and addressing gender bias in mental health, culminating in an inspiring panel on the transformative impact of women in philanthropy.
- Attendees were encouraged to take actionable steps— learning about the issues facing women and joining Women United—to drive meaningful change in their communities.
"There has never been a more important time for women to stand united."
Catherine Clark, Co-Founder, The Honest Talk
This year’s Disruptive Dialogue, hosted by Women United, explored two pressing issues facing local women—financial inclusion and gender bias in mental health—and concluded with an inspiring panel on the transformative role of women in philanthropy.
Breaking the Chains of Financial Control
Meseret (Mesi) Haileyesus, founder of the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment, opened the morning with a powerful talk on economic abuse, a hidden epidemic that restricts women’s financial independence. Drawing from her personal experience and connections with other women, Mesi highlighted the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black immigrant women: cultural stigmas, lack of resources, and economic inequities.
She shared a staggering statistic: 96% of women experiencing domestic violence also face economic abuse, which often continues long after separation.
“Finances and abuse are seen as private matters. Let’s end this stigma to create safe spaces for everyone,”
“I feel like hope is for the privileged. Let’s have love, let’s have compassion, because that is our birthright,”
“You’re Not Broken”: Rethinking Women’s Mental Health
Misty Pratt, mental health advocate and author of All in Her Head, delivered a poignant talk that reframed women’s mental health struggles as societal issues rather than individual shortcomings.
“Maybe nothing was going to fix me, because I wasn’t broken in the first place,” read one of her slides, silencing the room as attendees absorbed the powerful message.
Misty shared that women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with common mental disorders—and five times more likely in midlife. She emphasized the urgency of addressing how gender stereotypes shape perceptions and treatments of mental health.
The Collective Power of Women in Philanthropy
The event concluded with a dynamic panel moderated by Sowmya Rajasekaran, Founder of #BuildUpWomen & #BuildUp Series. Panelists included Danielle Robinson, Director, Philanthropic Advisory Services, BMO Private Wealth; Monique Moreau, Executive Director, Happy Roots Foundation; and Dennise Taylor-Gilhen, Interim President and CEO, United Way East Ontario.
Monique opened with a call for collaboration: “Collaboration is about shedding ego to create change. If you can’t say yes, find someone who can.” Her insights resonated as the panel discussed how partnerships and trust-based philanthropy empower donors and grant partners to create sustainable impact.
When discussing the next generation of donors, Danielle emphasized the unique role women play in philanthropy: “Women have significant control over family finances and approach giving differently than men. Recognizing how each generation thinks about philanthropy is key. Young women are willing to have difficult conversations about where to focus, and they don’t just want to give—they want to be involved and build relationships.”
Closing the discussion, Dennise reflected on the profound influence of Women United and the importance of collaboration in driving change, “We owe so much to the women who came together and recognized this as a priority for United Way. When United Way East Ontario engages with women and listens to their perspectives, we are profoundly impacted by the discussions, dialogues, and passions of the women we work with. That reciprocal relationship, that collaboration, is essential to creating meaningful change.”
The panel left attendees inspired to embrace philanthropy with purpose, collaboration, and action at its heart.
Turning Conversations into Change
“Channel the feelings you have—whether that’s committing to learn more, writing a check, or starting a conversation. It never gets better if women aren’t part of the conversation."
Thanks to our donors, Women United has funded initiatives such as financial literacy workshops, mentorship programs for vulnerable young women, and critical mental health services. These efforts are helping women gain confidence, financial control, and the support needed to thrive.
As we celebrate 10 years of women’s giving and the incredible milestone of raising over $1 million to support women and girls, we are reminded of the power of collective action. Together, we’ve not only changed lives but created a foundation for future impact.
With Giving Tuesday approaching, now is the perfect time to become a catalyst for change. Join us by donating to Women United. Every contribution helps women in our communities thrive.
Watch the recap: Empowering women and building sustainable impact
Join Us: Be Part of Women United's Next Chapter
As we celebrate a decade of impact, there’s no better time to join Women United. Your voice, passion, and support can help shape the future and create a lasting legacy for the next generation of women leaders.
