ACAO Women | African Canadian Association of Ottawa
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ACAO Women

Empowered Women. Stronger Communities. Lasting Change. ACAO Women is a dedicated platform for advancing the voices, wellbeing, leadership, and economic empowerment of African, Caribbean, and Black women and girls in Ottawa and beyond.

Contact ACAO View Areas of Focus
LeadershipPathways to leadership and decision-making opportunities.
CareersSupport for professional and economic advancement.
EntrepreneurshipStrengthening women entrepreneurs and business owners.
WellbeingPromoting mental, physical, social, and financial wellbeing.
Our Foundation

Building on a strong foundation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ACAO hosted a successful Women's Series that brought together prominent women — including elected officials, municipal leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community advocates — for meaningful discussions about women in the workplace, mental health, leadership, family responsibilities, and community life.

These conversations created space for women to speak honestly, learn from one another, and explore solutions to shared challenges.

From Series to Platform.

ACAO Women builds on that foundation by transforming the Women's Series into an ongoing platform for action, opportunity, connection, and lasting change.

ACAO Women brings together women from different generations, cultures, professions, income levels, and lived experiences — including entrepreneurs, professionals, students, newcomers, mothers, caregivers, community leaders, seniors, and women seeking new pathways toward personal and economic independence.

Who We Are

A platform built with women, not just for women.

ACAO Women is being built with women, not simply for women. We invite community members to help shape its priorities, programs, and future direction — creating a welcoming and inclusive space where women can build meaningful relationships, develop their skills, access opportunities, and work collectively to address the barriers affecting their lives.

Areas of Focus

Where ACAO Women creates impact.

ACAO Women exists to amplify voices, support advancement, strengthen entrepreneurs, promote wellbeing, and build supportive networks across generations and professional sectors.

01

Leadership and Civic Participation

We support women in developing the confidence, knowledge, networks, and practical skills required to lead in their workplaces, communities, public institutions, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

02

Careers and Professional Advancement

ACAO Women helps women navigate the labour market, pursue meaningful careers, and overcome barriers to workplace advancement, with special attention to newcomers and young women entering the workforce.

03

Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment

We support women who are starting, growing, or strengthening businesses and social enterprises through mentorship, financial education, and connections to funding and professional services.

04

Mentorship and Intergenerational Connection

ACAO Women creates opportunities for established leaders to share their knowledge, experience, and networks with emerging leaders and younger women.

05

Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing

We promote holistic wellbeing through mental health conversations, healing circles, wellness workshops, health education, peer support, and referrals.

06

Systems Change and Advocacy

ACAO Women provides a platform for women to identify and address the policies, institutional practices, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black women.

07

Community Conversations

The ACAO Women's Series returns as a signature component of the platform, bringing together inspiring women for open and practical conversations.

Community Conversations and the ACAO Women's Series

The ACAO Women's Series will return as a signature component of the platform, bringing together women across generations for honest, practical conversations about the issues that matter most.

Through research, consultations, community forums, partnerships, and policy engagement, ACAO Women will help ensure that women's voices and experiences inform the decisions that affect them.

LeadershipBusiness & FinancingCareer AdvancementMental Health & BurnoutFinancial IndependenceNewcomer IntegrationMotherhood & CaregivingPublic Service & PoliticsCommunity SafetyHousing & HealthMentorshipFuture of Black Women & Girls
Who Can Participate

Every woman is welcome here.

ACAO Women welcomes women from across Ottawa's African, Caribbean, and Black communities.

  • Young women, students, and emerging leaders
  • Newcomer and refugee women
  • Professionals and internationally trained women
  • Entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners
  • Mothers, caregivers, and community volunteers
  • Senior women, elders, and allies

How We Create Impact.

ACAO Women works through a range of programs and partnerships designed to build real, lasting change.

  • Workshops, training, and mentorship
  • Networking and peer-support circles
  • Entrepreneurship and career-development programs
  • Speaker events and community consultations
  • Health, wellness, and advocacy initiatives
  • Strategic partnerships with employers and funders

Your voice matters here.

Whether you are looking for mentorship, professional connections, business support, leadership opportunities, wellbeing resources, or a community where your voice is valued, ACAO Women welcomes you.

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