In 2022, UACWA received funding from Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration to support S.H.E. Matters, a multi-faceted program designed to address the settlement, health, and professional development needs of African descent communities. This funding allows UACWA to formalize decades of grassroots work and amplify its impact for immigrant women, refugees, and their families in the community.
S.H.E. Matters takes a holistic approach by weaving together settlement support, culturally relevant health education, and career-building opportunities. The program empowers participants with tools to thrive socially, economically, and emotionally in Canada.
Key Program Components
· Settlement Support: Orientation workshops, networking events, mentorship, and peer support to ease integration.
· Health & Wellness: Women-centered wellness circles, health workshops (mental health, chronic disease, reproductive health), and awareness campaigns.
· Entrepreneurship & Skills Development: Leadership training, mentorship, and business-focused workshops to strengthen economic opportunities tailored for immigrant women, men, and youth.
Key Project Activities
| Activity | Description |
| Mentorship Program for Women | To foster a supportive environment that forms stronger networks, mentorship connections, and pathways to opportunity. |
| Essential Skills Workshops | To deliver targeted professional and life skills workshops aimed at enhancing employment readiness and personal development. Participants will receive a certificate of participation after training. |
| Orientation Workshops | To equip new immigrant women of African descent with essential information to navigate critical aspects of their lives in Nova Scotia. |
| Wellness Circles | To facilitate whole health conversations focusing on women’s physiological, mental, and spiritual health, promoting awareness and best practices. |
| Women-centered Networking Events | Conference on women’s empowerment and leadership. |
| Kitchen Table Talks | To discuss leadership and collaboration between immigrant and Black women. |
| Conversation Clubs | To promote conversational English and culture linked to fun activities such as beading, painting, etc. |
| Family Event (Summer BBQ) | Community-building event for families. |
One of the flagship initiatives of S.H.E. Matters is the Essential Skills Workshop series, which has already delivered three successful trainings:
· Advanced Leadership
· Business Program for Entrepreneurs
· Program & Project Management Training
As of September 2025, the program is hosting its Grant and Proposal Writing Training, equipping participants with the knowledge to secure funding and sustain their initiatives.
Impact
While S.H.E. Matters is still in progress, its impact is already being felt in meaningful ways. The program has become a safe and supportive space where women and families can share experiences, access culturally relevant health and settlement resources, and build a sense of community. Participants are forming valuable friendships, mentorship connections, and professional networks that extend beyond the workshops and circles.
This growing sense of belonging and connection is reducing isolation, strengthening family resilience, and creating opportunities for newcomers to fully participate in their communities. Families are accessing the information and support they need to navigate Canadian systems with confidence, while also celebrating and preserving their cultural heritage.
By the end of the program in 2026, the program will have strengthened the foundations for lasting resilience, prosperity, and wellness in African descent communities across Nova Scotia.