Sustaining Maternal Empowerment: A Capacity Building Project
Sustaining Maternal Empowerment is a Capacity Building Project from Aug 1, 2024 to Mar 1, 2026, funded by WAGE (Department for Women and Gender Equality).
Through this 20-month project, Maternal Minds will build its capacity to advance gender equality and address gaps for Muslim mothers residing in the Halton region, who are facing barriers in accessing culturally relevant mental health services. The project will include developing systematic organizational procedures, structures, and processes to ensure that community initiatives are well-planned, efficiently executed, and supported by sustainable management practices. The project will also adopt a GBA+ approach, establishing structural procedures, policies, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring accountability within the management team to increase the organization's capacity to serve Muslim mothers in the area.
Project Goals and Objectives
Our goal is to conduct a baseline assessment to understand better the barriers Muslim mothers face in accessing mental health programs. This includes identifying their specific needs, key challenges, and service gaps. We will carry out focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and other forms of data collection to gather qualitative insights. The findings will inform a community-based research report and guide the development of programs.
Strengthen internal capacity by improving organizational structures, enhancing strategic planning, and providing leadership training to support long-term growth and impact. Develop a monitoring and reporting system aligned with outcome indicators, and establish a clear evaluation framework to track progress, measure impact, and ensure sustainability.
Implement a GBA+ (Gender-Based Analysis Plus) approach to ensure equitable and inclusive program development. Design services that are accessible, culturally responsive, and aligned with the unique needs of Muslim mothers. Based on needs assessment findings, develop targeted programs, resources, and supports that directly address key challenges, including mental health stigma, cultural expectations, socioeconomic barriers, and social isolation.
Network and collaborate with women-led organizations, community groups, and key stakeholders to build strong partnerships. Strengthen community relationships by actively engaging local leaders and professionals to foster trust, shared purpose, and cultural relevance. These collaborative efforts enhance the reach and impact of our programs, allowing us to co-create culturally grounded solutions, amplify community voices, and mobilize collective resources in support of the mental health and well-being of Muslim mothers.
Ensure Muslim mothers have access to community programs, culturally relevant resources, and tailored support services that help them navigate and overcome systemic and personal barriers. These initiatives provide safe spaces for healing, stress management, opportunities for skill development, and meaningful connections to community networks. Through structured interventions and programs, we aim to provide the support Muslim mothers need to thrive at home, work, and beyond, while fostering emotional resilience, personal growth, and an improved overall quality of life.
Needs Assesment Study
This project has been funded through Women and Gender Equality Canada's Women's Program.
