“I could not be happier. This is the outcome we sought to create a sustainable home. Adoption by YWCA Canada is a tribute to strength, flexibility, and originality of the project we have all worked twelve years to create”. – Katherine Govier, Shoe Project Founder

After a decade of sharing the stories of immigrant and refugee women, The Shoe Project is stepping onto a new stage within YWCA Canada.   

As a new, national, signature event, The Shoe Project will provide YWCAs across Canada with a medium to tell the stories of women, girls and gender diverse people who have been impacted by YWCA programs. 

Created in 2011, by Katherine Govier, The Shoe Project has become a national success. Incubated at The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, The Shoe Project has hosted numerous sold-out performances, generated national media coverage and engaged government officials from across Canada.    

Through the support of mentors and a unique stage readiness training program, participants prepare their personal story and share their journey with an audience through an intimate, impactful and unforgettable live event.    

Like The Shoe Project, YWCA Canada is committed to telling the stories of people who have been marginalised and face systemic barriers in Canada.   

Over the years, numerous local YWCAs across Canada, including YWCA Edmonton, YWCA Toronto and YWCA Banff have partnered in organizing a local Shoe Project event.   

Because of this success and alignment, YWCA Canada a perfect new home for this incredible event that showcases strength, resilience and deepens our understanding of gender inequalities through a personal lens. 

In 2024, The Shoe Project will be hosted in a few local communities by YWCAs.  Please consider contributing to this signature event by donating to YWCA Canada’s The Shoe Project Fund or by participating locally in an event.  Follow YWCA Canada for updates on where and when you can be part of this unforgettable event.