Welcome to Women of Courage: All Our Stories
This collection of works has been created by a group of racialized immigrant women who came together in safe spaces to understand their experiences in Canada.
About WOC
In 2021, CultureLink initiated the Women of Courage Project. This community-building program for racialized immigrant women was Funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and partnered with the Toronto History Museums. The artist participants reflected on themes of personal strength, courage in the face of adversity, adaptation, flexibility and learning thread through the pieces, along with expressions of loss, longing, homesickness and sadness. Their journeys will move, inspire and uplift you.
The Women of Courage Exhibition represents the culmination of work after intensive program of creative expression, anti-racism and self-care delivered by CultureLink’s Staff. Through writing, interviews, visual arts and sounds, Artist Participants explore and document their memories, migration and outlooks. There is a profound range of different thoughts and artistic approaches to experience. The exhibition invites you to immerse yourself in the migration, settlement and personal stories through the Artist Participant’s individual artistic expressions.
Statement from CultureLink's CEO
“Attending the opening of the Women of Courage project at Todmorden Mills was a moving experience from both the perspective as CultureLink’s CEO and as a racialized immigrant women myself. It was a powerful opportunity for us to reflect on our shared experiences and the emotions brought forth – a way to establish connections.
I could relate to many of the stories and believe the feelings expressed are universal, crossing the boundaries of time and place, despite coming from different backgrounds. In some way, we are all these women. In the gallery, I saw how these stories sparked both conversation and reflection.
My feeling is this project has made an impact and a difference; hearing the stories, watching the videos, reading the narratives, and watching the women come together with a sense of confidence and purpose was emotional and touching. These are empowered women, bold and unapologetic women, connected women, women who are ready to face anything. These really are Women of Courage.”
– Jemima Sabapathy, Chief Executive Officer
The Women of Courage Exhibition was seen at:
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site from February 15 to March 12, 2023
Scarborough Museum from March 15 to April 19, 2023
Gibson House Museum from April 12 to May 7, 2023
Montgomery’s Inn from May 10 to June 4, 2023
