Empowering workshops like the Immigrant Youth Leading Change (IYLC) Workshop are crucial for raising awareness about domestic violence—especially within immigrant, newcomer, and refugee (INR) communities—because they provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognize, resist, and respond to gender-based violence (GBV). Maskan and ACWS are collaborating to bring this one of the first programs in Alberta which empowers youth to make a difference in their own communities. Another important element of this program is that the facilitators had to undergo training to become trainers and they are looking forward to training young leaders for the same workshop. This project is federally funded by Women and Gender Equality in Canada.
This picture was taken at one of our very first Immigrant Youth Leading Change workshops. IYLC facilitators Aiman Zaheen and Joe Campbell visited NorQuest College in Edmonton to distribute expansion packs and teach students the immigrant edition of the Leading Change curriculum.
From Left to right: Aiman Zaheen (IYLC Facilitator), Lynn Sutankayo (Norquest Instructor), Joe Campbell (IYLC Facilitator)
Why Empowering Workshops Matter in Addressing Domestic Violence? 1. Breaking the Silence in INR Communities
- Many youth in immigrant communities grow up in environments where domestic violence is normalized or not openly discussed.
- The IYLC workshop creates a safe space to have critical conversations, challenge harmful norms, and reduce stigma around GBV.
2. Teaching Youth to Identify Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
- Participants learn to recognize signs of abuse, such as coercive control, emotional manipulation, and physical violence.
- The workshop emphasizes healthy relationships, consent, and setting boundaries, which helps youth identify red flags early.
3. Empowering Youth as Leaders for Change
- Youth are not just passive learners—they are encouraged to become facilitators and train their peers, creating a ripple effect of awareness and action.
- This peer-to-peer model strengthens community-based prevention efforts.
4. Addressing Cultural and Systemic Barriers
- Many INR youth face unique challenges, such as language barriers, fear of reporting abuse, or cultural expectations that discourage seeking help.
- The IYLC workshop equips youth with tools to navigate these barriers, understand their rights, and access available support services.
5. Encouraging Collective Action & Advocacy
- By participating in these workshops, youth see that they are not alone and that change is possible.
- The workshop fosters a sense of community solidarity, encouraging youth to challenge harmful traditions and advocate for gender equality and safety.
Long-Term Impact
Empowering workshops like IYLC don’t just raise awareness—they equip youth to take action and create sustainable change within their families and communities. By engaging young people as leaders, these workshops help break cycles of domestic violence and foster a culture of safety, respect, and accountability.
One of the most impactful activities we facilitate is the bystander intervention exercise. This activity emphasizes that bystanders hold a powerful position and can take meaningful action to prevent harm. Many participants shared positive feedback, expressing that they felt more prepared to intervene and support someone in a situation of violence in a public setting.
The strategies and skills gained from this workshop help challenge harmful mindsets and contribute to a broader cultural shift toward safety and accountability.
Resources:
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/domestic-violence
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/toxic-shadow-emotional-abuse
https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/stories/empowering-educators-combat-gender-based-violence