10 Jul CWCLN Releases Landmark Impact Report on Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice

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On May 28, 2025—International Day of Action for Women’s Health—the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN) hosted a powerful virtual community event to launch its Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Impact Report. The report captures two years of advocacy, outreach, and culturally grounded programming designed to address systemic inequities impacting Black and racialized women and non-binary birthing people across Canada.

Founded in 2018, CWCLN is a grassroots nonprofit organization led by Black and racialized women and femmes. The network provides culturally responsive mental health programs, leadership development, wellness initiatives, and economic empowerment opportunities that uplift and equip Black and racialized women and non-binary people to thrive in their communities.

Since launching its maternal health and reproductive justice work in 2023, CWCLN has advocated for systemic change and built new pathways of care rooted in community leadership and healing.

“This work is deeply personal,” said Sophia Jacob, CWCLN Founder and CEO. “Every story we heard—every barrier named—reinforced the need for structural change and more Black-led spaces in maternal health. This report honours that truth.”

Key Highlights from the Event Included:

  • A keynote by Kimberley Okafor, a member of the Black Researchers Initiative to Empower (BRITE), who presented on postpartum inequities and offered practical recommendations to improve care for Black birthing individuals.
  • Reflections on CWCLN’s Ottawa-led campaign that resulted in April being proclaimed Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month in the City of Ottawa. Building on this momentum, CWCLN expanded its outreach to engage other municipalities, including Vaughan, which showed solidarity by lighting City Hall in CWCLN’s purple, black, and gold colours—symbolizing strength, justice, and hope.
  • CWCLN’s growing policy efforts to secure permanent recognition of April as Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels were highlighted.
  • The launch of CWCLN’s Doula Needs Assessment Survey, created to gather insights from Black doulas and birth workers across Canada. Survey results will guide CWCLN’s next phase of training, mentorship, and peer support programming.

CWCLN’s Three Pillars for Advancing Black Maternal Health:

  • Advocacy & Policy Change
    Driving systemic reform through policy advocacy, municipal proclamations, and legislative action—grounded in community-led research and disaggregated data that reflect the realities of Black birthing people.
  • Community Mobilization & Education
    Raising awareness and building collective power through storytelling, peer learning, public campaigns, and culturally grounded workshops that empower Black women and families.
  • Capacity Building & Workforce Development
    Strengthening the maternal health workforce by supporting Black doulas, peer educators, and community leaders through training, mentorship, and leadership development.

Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Working Group

CWCLN also formally introduced the Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Working Group—a national team of Black women and femmes dedicated to advancing maternal health through community-led research, peer education, policy change, and systemic advocacy. The group’s priorities include increasing access to Black-led perinatal services, raising reproductive health awareness across the lifespan, and expanding strategic partnerships.

Former member Doula Deb played a key role in shaping the group’s early direction, contributing student-led research, sourcing citations, and identifying best practices in Black maternal health and reproductive justice.

Danielle James, CWCLN’s Engagement and Learning Coordinator, emphasized the importance of peer support and visibility.

“We don’t want to operate in silos. This event—and the report—represents the power of partnership, of building something bigger together.”

Erica Kamikazi, representing Ottawa Public Health, addressed barriers that disproportionately affect Black and racialized families—including gaps in interpretation services, housing, and culturally competent care providers. She stressed the need for strong health sector partnerships to build trust and improve outcomes.

Reflections from the City-Wide Launch

The release of CWCLN’s Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Impact Report—held on International Day of Action for Women’s Health—sparked engagement across Ottawa and beyond. Community members, partner organizations, and sector allies voiced support, highlighted systemic gaps, and affirmed the importance of Black-led leadership in maternal health advocacy.

To read the full Impact Report or get involved in the movement, visit:
 https://canadianwomenofcolour.ca/reports/