Our Commitment
At Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN), we are deeply committed to advancing Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice across Canada. We know that Black women and femmes experience some of the most severe health disparities across the reproductive health continuum, disparities that are rooted in systemic racism and long-standing neglect of Black communities in health policy and care.
We believe that reproductive justice is not just about choice, it’s about access, dignity, and equity at every stage of life. From menstruation and fertility to childbirth, postpartum care, and menopause, CWCLN is building a movement that centers Black women’s needs and leadership.
You can help us shape future programming by filling out our short survey:
SURVEY SONDAGECommunity Insight & Data Ethics
We collect community insights—not clinical data—through listening sessions, short surveys, and conversations. Insights guide programs and advocacy; no personal health information is published. Responses are stored securely and used only to improve community-led initiatives.
Our Approach
CWCLN’s work is community-led and lived-experience centered. We convene safe spaces, amplify community voice, and build capacity through peer support, culturally grounded education, and leadership development.
We collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and community partners in a complementary way—bringing evidence-informed insights into community practice without replicating institutional or academic research.
Our Pillars: Advancing Black Reproductive Justice
Grounded in peer support, leadership development, and culturally safe education, our pillars translate community insights into practical action.
Resources & Reports
Impact Report: how it started, where we’re going
Learn More about the work CWCLN is doing to raise awareness, address health disparities and advocate for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice.
From advocating in the halls of governance, highlighting research gaps, and forming community partnerships, our work has really just begun. Read the full Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Impact Report:
LEARN MOREMethodology at a Glance
– Community-engaged insight gathering (listening, storytelling, short surveys)
– Peer-informed interpretation rooted in culture and lived experience
– Collaborative convening: CWCLN coordinates gently, supports shared leadership
– Academic contributions welcome (guest teaching, advisory input)—without directing our community-led approach
Raising Awareness
Proclamations for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month.
Across the region, cities are standing in solidarity by recognizing Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month. Five cities gave proclamations in 2025: Ottawa, Barrie, Timmins, Cornwall and Kingston. Our allies at the City of Vaughan lit up their City Hall in purple, gold and black in honour of Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month.
Proclamation for the City of Ottawa
Workshops & Events: empowerment through education
CWCLN has hosted a series of impactful and culturally grounded health workshops for Black women and femmes across the country. These workshops aim to build awareness, foster healing, and provide access to trusted information. More workshops and events can be found HERE.
The Reality for Black Women and Femmes
How We Partner
We work alongside public health teams, clinicians, doulas, researchers, and community groups. Partners bring expertise; CWCLN brings community leadership, cultural grounding, and peer support. Together, we co-design offerings that fill gaps and strengthen the ecosystem.
Partnerships & Co-Design
Interested in partnering? We welcome:
- Clinicians & public health to co-host educational sessions
- Researchers & academics to share evidence-informed insights with community audiences
- Doulas & birth workers to mentor, co-facilitate, and strengthen culturally safe care
- Community orgs to co-design programs that meet local needs
Get Involved
- Join the Working Group (leadership & peer support)
- Host a Workshop (co-facilitate with CWCLN)
- Partner & Co-Design (clinicians, researchers, orgs)
- Share Your Insights (2-minute survey)
Contact Us
If you would like to contribute or collaborate to this work please contact Danielle James, Engagement and Learning Coordinator, Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice, at blkmaternalhealth.cwcln@gmail.com or fill out the following form.
2026: A Milestone for Black Maternal and Reproductive Health Advocacy
Ottawa City Council has officially proclaimed April as Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month, recognizing the importance of raising awareness about maternal health disparities and strengthening advocacy and leadership within Black communities.
The motion was brought forward by Councillor Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward and Council Liaison for Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives, and seconded by Councillor Ariel Troster, City Councillor for Somerset Ward and Council Liaison for Women, Gender Equity and 2SLGBTQ+ Affairs.
This proclamation represents an important step in recognizing the realities, leadership, and advocacy surrounding Black maternal health and reproductive justice in the city of Ottawa and beyond.
This proclamation also reflects the ongoing advocacy and leadership of community members and organizations, including the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN), who have worked to elevate conversations around Black maternal health and reproductive justice in Ottawa and across Canada.
Watch the Proclamation Moment:
Please note that the video clip is available in English.
Veuillez noter que l’extrait vidéo est en anglais.
For many Black families and communities, maternal and reproductive health disparities are not abstract statistics — they are lived experiences that affect mothers, babies, individuals, families, and birth workers every day.
Community leaders,birth workers, healthcare professionals, and advocates across Ottawa and beyond have been working to elevate these conversations and strengthen collaboration around maternal and reproductive health equity.
We are grateful to the members of City Council who supported this motion and to the many community partners and advocates who continue to move this work forward.
While this proclamation marks an important milestone, the work does not stop here. Our goal is to see Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month recognized across Canada, strengthening awareness, advocacy, and action in communities nationwide.
The work continues…….