WHO WE ARE

WELCOME to the OLDER WOMEN’S NETWORK

OWN is a voice for mid-life and older women in Canada, one that challenges discrimination on the basis of age, gender, religion, or disability.
OWN works to achieve a society in which women are able to live in security and with dignity, and to participate in the decisions affecting their lives.
OWN members offer mutual support and share creative interests and activities.
OWN is an educational organization that embraces a feminist perspective in order to empower women to overcome injustices and inequities of gender in the home, the workplace and in society at large.

OWN is a volunteer organization that addresses the social and political issues that are important to all women.
OWN works independently and in partnership with like-minded organizations for social justice in Canada and abroad.
OWN initiates and supports public discussion of issues that relate to security and justice for mid-life and older women. OWN acts as an advocate for redress through alternative policies and legislation.
OWN supports women’s greater representation on decision-making bodies at all levels of government.
OWN enriches its members’ lives by coordinating social and educational activities.

Since 1988, OWN has sponsored public forums and advised government policy-makers on:
- Ageism and the feminization of poverty
- Gender equality and human rights
- Affordable, supportive housing for women
- Pension reform, financial planning and retirement security
- Ending mandatory retirement
- Legal aid entitlement
- Environmental responsibility
- Electoral reform
- Elder abuse
Developed the OWN Housing Co-op, a 142-unit apartment building in Toronto for people of low to medium income.
Formed a partnership in Peterborough to provide affordable housing for six mid-life women.
Designed and supervised action research and community development projects. Reports are available.

Last revised Sept. 2015.