In Oakridge, a community initiative led by local women is bridging the gap for immigrant women seeking employment opportunities. Recognized as a Neighbourhood Improvement Area in Southwest Scarborough, Oakridge faces economic challenges, with lower median family incomes and a significant portion of children living in low-income households.
To address the need for better opportunities, the South Asian Women and Immigrants’ Services (SAWIS) was established in 2008 by proactive women in the area. The organization focuses on empowering immigrant women to secure jobs and support their families.
Sultana Jahangir, the executive director of SAWIS, highlights the struggles faced by immigrants in accessing essential services and employment opportunities. She emphasizes the systemic barriers that hinder their progress, leading many into poverty.
Through a survey conducted in 2018, SAWIS identified key hurdles faced by precariously employed women, including lack of Canadian work experience, education, job search skills, and childcare support. To address these challenges, the non-profit initiated workshops and classes facilitated by community members. These sessions cover various topics such as workplace communication, interview preparation, and computer skills enhancement.
Statistics Canada’s 2021 report revealed a concerning trend of recent immigrants with higher education degrees being employed in roles that require lower qualifications, indicating an education and occupation mismatch. Arshadun Nessa Niva, a project support worker at SAWIS, emphasizes the importance of acquiring relevant skills to navigate the Canadian job market successfully.
Reflecting on her journey, Oakridge resident MST Farhatul Zannat, who struggled to find a job matching her banking background, expresses gratitude for the opportunities provided by SAWIS.
SAWIS continues to offer a range of classes aimed at improving the employability of immigrant women in Oakridge and empowering them to take active roles in the community. Their impactful motto, “If the women advance, the whole community moves forward,” underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering positive change.