It Shouldn't Be Risky
Donation protected
Physical violence against women is a pervasive issue in our society, affecting women of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. The statistics are alarming. According to recent reports, women in Canada are five times more likely to experience sexual assault compared to men. Shockingly, approximately 4.7 million women, accounting for 30% of all women aged 15 and older, have reported at least one instance of sexual assault since the age of 15. These figures highlight the urgent need for action.
At "It Shouldn't Be Risky," we refuse to accept this status quo. We are committed to providing women with the skills they need to defend themselves and reduce their vulnerability to violence. Our mission is to empower women, instill confidence, and foster a society where they can live free from the constant fear of physical harm.
By supporting our campaign, you are joining a movement for change. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of women across Canada. With our program, we aim to create a culture of safety, resilience, and empowerment.
Every woman deserves to live a life free from violence and fear. Together, we can make that a reality.
Who We Are
"It Shouldn't Be Risky" is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2023. Our mandate is to offer high-quality self-defence training programs specifically designed for women. We are committed to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and a supportive environment for all participants. As we expand nationwide, we aim to collaborate with local communities, organizations, and authorities to advocate for women's safety and create lasting change.
Our Program
Our self-defence training programs are specifically designed for women, focusing on equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to handle dangerous situations effectively. We are committed to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and a supportive environment for all participants. Recognizing the barriers faced by women, we offer flexibility, allowing women to bring their children if childcare is a concern. We are dedicated to addressing any other barriers that may arise and finding solutions to ensure access for all.
We will initially be operating in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but we have plans to expand our services nationwide in order to reach women across Canada. As we grow, we aim to collaborate with local communities, organizations, and authorities to advocate for women's safety and create lasting change. Our goal is to create a society where women can navigate their lives without fear, embracing their personal safety and well-being.
We are not yet running classes, and are currently in the process of completing our provincial incorporation (we are already federally incorporated), finding and certifying trainers, and applying for charitable status. We hope to begin running classes in Winnipeg in mid to late Fall 2023, but no later than early 2024.
Where Your Donations Go
Our fundraising campaign is set at $50,000 CAD. Here is where your donations will go:
- $3,000 for registration fees, PO box renewal, a phone line, website and email, marketing materials, banking fees, etc.
- $28,000 to certify our first 10 trainers in the RAD style of self-defence for women. (Approximately $2,800 per trainer.)
- $10,000 to cover the cost of the first 50 self-defence classes. (Each class will cost approximately $200 to run.)
- $9,000 for other expenses, such as insurance, criminal record checks for all volunteers, etc.
Please be aware that we do not currently have charitable status; this means that we cannot currently provide tax receipts to those who donate. We are, however, working on our application. If you want to be notified when we have charitable status, please sign up for our mailing list. (You can find the sign-up form at our website, here .)
Other Ways You Can Help
Together, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of women across Canada. By joining forces with "It Shouldn't Be Risky," you become a vital part of our mission to combat physical violence and empower women. Here's how you can make a difference:
- Share: Spread the word about our campaign and our mission. Share our GoFundMe page and our website with your friends, family, and social networks. Together, we can raise awareness about the importance of personal safety, educate others about the prevalence of violence against women, and encourage more people to support our cause. Your voice can inspire others to take action.
- Volunteer: If you have skills, expertise, or time to contribute, consider signing up to join our team of volunteers. Visit www.itshouldntberisky.ca for more information. Together, we can amplify our efforts and reach even more women.
- Partner: Are you a business, organization, or community group that shares our commitment to ending violence against women? We would love to collaborate with you. By partnering with "It Shouldn't Be Risky," we can combine our resources, networks, and expertise to create a more significant impact. Let's work together to build a safer future for women.
- Be an Advocate: Use your voice to advocate for change. Speak out against gender-based violence, support policies that protect women's rights, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence and discrimination. By engaging in conversations, raising awareness, and promoting a culture of respect and equality, we can foster positive change at all levels of society.
Every action, big or small, contributes to our collective efforts in creating a society free from the fear of physical violence for women. Join us in making a difference and help us shape a future where women can live their lives without the constant risk of harm.
Together, we can rewrite the narrative, empower women, and build a safer and more inclusive society. Thank you for your support, dedication, and commitment to the cause. Together, we are a force for change.
What’s Next?
Visit our website, sign up for our mailing list, and check back here for updates! Thank you for partnering with us!
Organizer
Cara Ginter
Organizer
Winnipeg, MB