About the Women in Civic Engagement (WICE) Program

WICE, a program under the Syrian Canadian Foundation, empowers refugee and newcomer women to integrate into Canadian society through active political and civic engagement. This blog showcases the knowledge, experiences, and expertise of our participants on topics discussed within the program.

Human Rights, Community Sarah Saleem Human Rights, Community Sarah Saleem

From Lebanon to the World: Documenting Feminist Histories Through Graphic Storytelling

The graphic novel by Bernadette Dauo, now available online at Where to, Marie?, draws on my own experiences, academic research, and years of activism within Lebanon’s civil society. It highlights key moments, movements, and figures that have shaped the feminist struggle in Lebanon, contextualizing them within the broader regional and global fights for gender justice.

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Sarah Saleem Sarah Saleem

Roadblocks in the Labour Market

What challenges do newcomer and refugee women face in attaining leadership positions in government and the public sector? Our latest report, Roadblocks in the Labour Market, uncovers the barriers at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, highlighting systemic challenges and opportunities for change.

Read the full report to explore key insights and recommendations for creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

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Sarah Saleem Sarah Saleem

A New Home, A New Beginning

Leaving behind a thriving career and the life she built in Romania, she made the life-changing decision to immigrate to Canada—seven months pregnant and carrying nothing but hope and determination. The journey was filled with challenges, from starting over professionally to adapting to a new culture, but she embraced every obstacle with resilience. Looking back, would she change something?

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Reflections Sarah Saleem Reflections Sarah Saleem

Starting Over: Building a Life and a Legacy in Canada

Moving to Canada in 2020, Tehmina faced isolation, uncertainty, and the challenge of rebuilding from scratch—but through resilience and community, she found purpose. From that struggle, something fruitful was born, empowering immigrant entrepreneurs to break barriers and build success together.

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The views and experiences expressed by WICE participants are their own and do not represent the views or positions of SCF.