Women of Distinction – The Courage of Covid

In years past, the YWCA Women of Distinction awards has recognized many outstanding women and organizations who’ve been committed to the development of other women and the overall improvement of the community. The awards have sought to recognize women who have been role models, who’ve been agents of change and broken through old barriers, who’ve actively volunteered, made an impact in a field of endeavor, inspired other women to focus on their communities and been innovative in the way they approach challenges facing women – locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

Unfortunately, this year has been no ordinary year. Covid-19 has hit women in the community hard; with 56% of women holding occupations within the 5 c’s – caring, cashiering, catering, cleaning and clerical functions, women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. As a result women, more so than men, risked their health and safety for the overall good of their communities.

An extraordinary year requires an extraordinary initiative to help celebrate the remarkable women of this region during these times.

The Courage of Covid

On March 4, 2021, YWCA Hamilton’s 45^th annual Women of Distinction awards will shine a light on the women in our community who have rolled up their sleeves in response to the pandemic. This special edition event will honour women who have shown courage in the face of COVID-19 through reimagined award categories highlighting frontline workers, innovators, advocates, change-makers, young trailblazers, and everyday heroes.

Nominations are open until Jan. 11, 2021.

Nominate a woman and learn more at www.ywcahamilton.org/women-of-distinction-awards.

Starward Homes has been a long-time supporter of the YWCA Hamilton, spearheaded by the volunteer work of Bettina Campbell and carried on through the Campbell family, and we’re proud to partner with the YWCA Hamilton for the Women of Distinction – The Courage of Covid event.

We know that Covid-19 has affected women disproportionately; more and more women have faced increased economic challenges, rising domestic violence and unbalanced child-care responsibilities, among other challenges.

The Awards help to highlight the outstanding success of all the women in our Community during Covid. The awards also serve to raise money so the YWCA Hamilton can continue its most valued work in our community and we’re proud to be a part of it.