Ms. Sue Tomney

Calgary Herald, March 7, 2016Online

URL: http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/attitudes-of-violence-towards-women-slowly-changing

Men’s attitudes about violence towards women are slowly shifting. But there are still some disturbing trends, with almost two-thirds of men finding it hard to understand why women stay in an abusive relationship.

And at least a third of Alberta men think women put themselves at risk of rape if they dress provocatively.

Those are some of the findings of a recent survey examining men’s attitudes toward domestic violence. And while the results indicate awareness of all kinds of domestic violence is on the rise in Alberta, it also shows there’s room to improve.

“There are areas we are not improving — in men’s definition of domestic violence and the seriousness of it. While we are encouraged that fewer men agree that wearing provocative clothing puts women at risk, we are discouraged these findings also indicate rape culture is as (evident) as four years ago,” said Sue Tomney, CEO of the Calgary YWCA.

The telephone survey, conducted in February by Leger Marketing, quizzed 1,478 Alberta men about their attitudes on gender equity and domestic violence. The results were released Monday, on the eve of International Women’s Day, by the YWCA and the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. The first such survey was done in 2012.

Results this year show a positive shift in opinions with the vast majority of men agreeing it is never acceptable to physically assault their wife, partner or girlfriend. Yelling is also less acceptable to more men than in the 2012 survey, but still almost one-quarter think it’s OK. Almost all men, 93 per cent, say they would intervene if they knew someone was in a violent relationship. Almost all men agree that violence and abuse toward women is a concern to them.

“I hear countless stories in my work with men that support this shift in attitudes,” said Jonathan Hutton, clinical supervisor with the YWCA. “There is an awareness of the many forms of domestic violence and how men and boys have an important role to play.”

But both Tomney and Carolyn Goard, with the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, say there are still disturbing trends, key among them the lack of understanding about why women remain in abusive relationships (61 per cent of respondents).

“It’s far too easy to oversimplify. There are so many points to consider, said Tomney. “It means disrupting their lives, their children’s lives, there are the financial implications and the stigma of it. There are so many barriers.”

Other negative results include fourteen per cent of survey respondents saying domestic violence is not as serious if it results from people getting so angry they temporarily lose control. And 18 per cent (up from 16 per cent in 2012) believe domestic violence can be excused if the violent person genuinely regrets what they’ve done.

Men’s attitudes are split on whether women rarely make false claims of being raped and there has been little change in the number of men, 13 per cent, who believe that no really means yes when it comes to sex.

Another statistic that hasn’t improved is the 22 per cent of men who say they’ve witnessed abusive behaviour. Ten per cent reported it to police, 26 per cent ignored it and 67 per cent checked to see if the victim needed help.

“It’s disconcerting that there is still work to be done today on what equates to violence. To understand the impacts of violence, even if it’s not physical harm,” said Goard.

Goard sees signs that society is moving in the right direction, most notably in the attitudes of younger men. She pointed to how the public reacted to recent high-profile sexual assault cases, like that of former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi and when an Alberta judge recently asked a female complainant why she didn’t just keep her legs closed.

“That wouldn’t have happened five years ago that that was questioned.”

Some of the key insights in the report include:

• A high majority of men agree that domestic violence can happen in any family and that the aggressor should be the one to leave the family home.

• The vast majority agree that violence against women and girls is a concern to them, with two-thirds indicating it impacts the women they care about. That is higher than in the 2012 survey.

• Over half agree that sexist, violent language and sexualization of women in media and popular culture helps to legitimize violence against women, while 33 per cent disagree.

• Domestic violence is still viewed as a family issue to be addressed in the home, and that it is important for fathers to educate their children about healthy, equal relationships and respecting women. More men also identify community leaders, workplaces and sports organizations as good sources for men and boys to learn about ending violence against women.

The report has a margin of error of +/- 2.6 per cent, 19 out of 20 times.

Calgary Herald, May 20, 2016Online

URL: http://calgaryherald.com/life/homes/condos/great-gulf-gives-ywca-a-house-warming-gift-to-seed-its-move-to-new-location

The stage is set for Great Gulf to put its stamp on the link between East Village and downtown.
Last fall, the Toronto-based real estate organization bought the YWCA property at 320 5th Ave. S.E, and it had earlier acquired the land across the street to the north. There are plans for two condo towers on the north property, and a podium with retail, office and institutional space supporting four or five towers of residential condo and rental on the YWCA site.

“We can create a whole dynamic district,” says Christopher Wein, president of Great Gulf, “between the financial core and East Village and the Bow River.”

Wein was in town on Monday to give the YWCA a large donation of $500,000.

“The donation is seed funding,” says Wein, to help the YWCA with fund-raising for its new location.
Great Gulf has also extended the runway for the YWCA, which has operated in Calgary for 105 years, for its preparation to move by extending its no-cost lease-back to four years from two years for the existing facility.

“The generosity of Great Gulf is extraordinary and kicks off our future plans in grand way,” Sue Tomney, chief executive officer of the YWCA, says in a news release. The donation and no-cost lease-back “ensures the YWCA can provide consistency for the women and families we support while we develop a new facility that is better designed to adapt to changing needs of women in our community.”

Great Gulf is starting the master-planning for the YWCA site, assembling its team of of architects and planners. It will announce its lead architect in about four to six weeks, with Wein anticipating it will be a notable North American name in architecture.

The 1.2-hectare YWCA site will hold about 1.5 million square feet of developed space, while there’s about 2 million square feet of space planned between the two sites.

The towers on the YWCA site will hold about 800 to 900 units of condos, with another 400 in the two towers planned for across the street. Also on the YWCA site will be 500 to 600 purpose-built rental units that Great Gulf will manage.

The podium will offer substantial retail with some office and institutional space.

“We want a lot of public realm, with a plaza or piazza space,” Wein says.

The site to the north has had its development plan approved, and Great Gulf intends to kick it off shortly.

“These are our first investments in Calgary,” Weins says. “We are very optimistic about Alberta’s future and Calgary’s in particular. We think (the economy) will rebound in a prosperous way; it has so much going for it.”

Calgary Herald, November 18, 2016Online

URL: http://calgaryherald.com/health/women/ywca-calgary-leads-legacy-of-empowering-women

For more than a century, YWCA Calgary has been the voice for women, particularly those who are vulnerable.

Now, as those vulnerabilities become ever more complex and diverse, the YW is reaffirming this commitment with new branding and an updated focus.

“We meet women where they’re at their greatest need — most often (as) the face of poverty or someone fleeing abuse,” says Jan Damery, vice-president of fund development.

These changes to YWCA Calgary began during the organization’s centennial celebrations in 2010, says Damery.

“Our transformation is really grounded in our core practice, which is women-centred … that if someone has the courage to leave an abusive situation, can we go to where the women are (through) outreach and programming, making it more accessible.”

This is reflected in the YW’s updated mission statement: “Intervene, empower and lead, when and where women need us most.”

As part of its ongoing transformation, the YW has purchased a 0.81-hectare (2 acre) parcel off 9th Ave. S.E. in Inglewood to will eventually replace its current hub facility downtown — a building heavily damaged in the 2013 flood.

Located two blocks from the YWCA Sheriff King Home, North America’s first purpose-built shelter for women fleeing abusive situations, Damery says plans call for the new hub to include childcare, language, parenting and family-oriented programs. It will also provide 100 units of supported transitional accommodation as well as counselling services for women, children and men.

The new facility, which Damery hopes to see operational by spring of 2019, is just one part of the ongoing transformation and repositioning of the YW as it enters its second century. In particular, there will be an emphasis on the YW being “hands-on, proactive providers and advocates for women’s safety, social and economic rights — creating a better future for everyone.”

For the YW, this means empowering through partnerships, something the new brand positioning statement acknowledges.

“We can’t achieve our goals alone,” means the organization will continue to strengthen relationships with donors, government and social service agencies to extend support for women.

“We know that women’s equity changes everything. That safety, healthy families, and a community of choice for all women improve economic and social conditions for everyone,” says Damery.

And the YW promises to help Calgary get there by leading “with fortitude,” pledging to devote its network of caring and committed experts to “meet the needs of vulnerable women.”

Damery says a major part of the rebranding and transformation is to differentiate YWCA Calgary from other organizations in the city — including the fact it’s now also known as the YW.

“People don’t know what we do and there is some confusion with our friends at the YMCA. We want to raise awareness that we’re the YW and our focus is women.”

For Damery, the measure of a great community is demonstrated as, “How we treat our most vulnerable and how we support them.” That’s why community support for the YW and its programs is fundamental as an agent for change.

“I think certainly what fuels us is looking for people who share a common belief who want to create a community around our mission.”

YWCA Calgary CEO Sue Tomney agrees. “We’re 105 years old, but have a modern outlook and vision for our work and our goals; we continue to strive for brighter futures for women in our community.”

Learn more about the programming at YWCA Calgary and how you can support its ongoing transformation through donations and sponsorship at the newly launched site.

Calgary Herald, March 8, 2017Online

URL: http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/what-does-international-womens-day-mean

Sue Tomney
CEO of YW Calgary

“For 2017, it’s really all about being bold and fearless. You can feel the intensity that is starting to build. For me, it’s all about owning it this year.”

As head of Calgary’s largest and longest-serving women’s organization, Tomney has helped shape programming to support women and children. When asked if there’s still work to be done on that front, she has a one-word answer. “Yes.”

“Certainly, progress has been made but it’s not been at the speed we need to have a gender inclusive world. It’s not keeping pace,” she said. “As long as women are not safe in their homes, or safe in their workplaces, there is pay equity that is missing, then there is work to do.”

But rather than be distracted by negativity or lack of success in some areas, Tomney relishes the chance to “never waste a good crisis.”

“It’s really an opportunity to reinvigorate a conversation that has been taking place for some time but really take it to the next level with renewed enthusiasm and energy.”

Calgary Herald, November 17, 2016Online

URL: http://calgaryherald.com/business/local-business/parker-ywca-moves-forward-with-fresh-identity-purpose

Driving past the highly visible electronic billboard outside McMahon Stadium is where I first noticed the YW’s new blue and green logo, which has also been displayed in print and on banners outside the organization’s downtown campus.

The YWCA was launched in 1910 when four forward-thinking women realized the need to provide safe accommodations for female travellers.

Today, the organization is not only building a new brand but also developing a mission and vision to better explains its role in the community.

Shelter and housing remain an essential focus, although the YW has tailored programs so it’s better able to intervene, empower and lead wherever and whenever women and their families need help.

CEO Sue Tomney says her board and staff have worked on the transformation since the YWCA celebrated its 100th anniversary six years ago. During the past 18 months, with the help of Mosaic Communications, it used the results of focus groups and market surveys to create a new visual brand identity.

The tag line ‘women-centred, brighter future focused’ is at the core of the new YW; its mission to ensure women can thrive in a safe and equitable community.

“It reflects our clarity of service to women and ongoing efforts to demonstrate accessibility and nimbleness in our program delivery and business planning,” said Tomney. “We are warriors, proactive providers and advocates for women’s safety, social and economic rights.”

Safe shelter is provided at the Sheriff King Home, where women are offered food and basic needs items along with counselling. Mary Dover House is a transitional shelter with 80 low-cost shelter beds for women experiencing homelessness and poverty. Another 24 beds are available at the newly opened Providence Building, which is owned by the Calgary Homeless Foundation but managed by the YW.

The YW is also involved in child care development, education and employment skills, counselling and personal development.

With the support of chair Rebecca Morley and the YW board, Tomney oversees a staff of 333 and a budget of $19 million provided by governments and some creative fundraising.

This year’s Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event realized over $250,000 and the Nov. 22 YWhisper Gala at the Telus Convention Centre, with guest speaker Monica Lewinsky, has already sold more than 600 tickets.

The YW building downtown was sold late last year and a portion of that money will be used to build a new complex in Inglewood.

An all-female team from Kasian Architecture is designing offices, transitional housing and multi-purpose community space across the road from West Canadian on 9th Avenue S.E. The estimated cost is $60 million, of which $20 million is expected to come from governments. Another $20 million will come from the downtown building sale, with the remainder from the community and fundraising efforts.

The new YW is speaking up and speaking out – loudly, proudly and expertly — to support women in gaining control of their lives.

“We are fearless and ready to embrace new and exciting challenges with a brand that reflects our promises and commitment to women and their families in Calgary,” says Tomney.

Huffington Post CanadaOnline

URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sue-tomney/when-canada-creep-posted-secret-pics-of-women-you-said-nothin_a_22492362/

What would you do if -- between cat videos and political sniping -- your social media feed was peppered with "up-skirt" shots and images of the breasts and backsides of women who were unaware they were being filmed?

This week one CanadaCreep caught the attention of police and the media, but there has been little mention of the 17,000+ creeps who, for up to a year, hid behind their screens exploiting women knowing full well none of the women they were gawking at had agreed to be in those video clips.

It's deeply disturbing that thousands of people followed this Calgary-based Twitter account which existed solely for the purposes of objectifying women and girls in our community. For more than a year, the account persisted and its following grew. That is until one popular Calgary social-media activist (huge props to the ever-awesome @Crackmacs) caught wind of @CanadaCreep and called him out to their own followers, encouraging folks to report the offender to Twitter.

Within hours the account was suspended. The individual who allegedly managed this account -- and thanks to rapid Calgary Police action, now faces multiple criminal charges related to voyeurism -- bears responsibility for his disgusting behaviour.

But we're left asking "Where is the line?" for those who followed along and said nothing. Where is their accountability for encouraging, through their interest, the victimization of women? It's time for serious introspection and re-education among those who watched, liked and retweeted images of women which were captured and shared without their consent.

The images and videos that @CanadaCreep recorded now exist online and we know that erasing them is next to impossible. They're out there. And our most sincere empathy goes to those women and girls who were violated and victimized.

Sometimes it seems that no matter how many steps forward we move, we continue to be held back by a culture deeply rooted in misogyny. A culture that seemingly unconsciously accepts it is men's right to treat women's bodies as though they exist solely for viewing pleasure. It is shameful that in Canada in 2017, women and girls -- some reportedly as young as 14 -- can't simply walk down the street to get a sandwich or attend a show without the fear their bodies will be broadcast, leered at and critiqued.

We need to continue to declare that street harassment and other forms of violence against women are not OK.
The kind of behaviour exemplified by this account and the many more like it contribute to online and real-world environments where women do not feel safe. Women don't feel safe wearing what they want because shaming based on the perceived quality of physical assets or attributes remains a very real threat, every day.

Surreptitiously recording women and making pithy judgments about their bodies or clothing choices contributes to a culture of shame and abuse. Women are shamed any time they report harassment or sexual assault when we continue to hear of women being questioned about their choices -- like "What were you wearing?" and "How much had you had to drink?" and "Why were you on that street?" -- putting the onus on victims rather than those who took advantage.

Enough. We need to continue to declare that street harassment and other forms of violence against women are not OK, and that requires dealing swiftly with bullies, creeps and perpetrators. This means bystanders and follower must speak up and speak out. The "if you see something, say something" posters have been up in most workplaces for years. And just as we'd report a suspected crime in progress on our street, so we must we all commit to making reports of abusive behaviours.

Calgary HeraldOnline

URL: http://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/tomney-women-who-enter-politics-shouldnt-be-subjected-to-threats-and-abuse

“Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.”

— Margaret Atwood

It is both shocking and unsurprising to learn this week that Premier Rachel Notley received more than 412 threats of harm in an 11-month period, and that 26 of those were forwarded to police for further investigation.

Further, the premier received 19 threats in 2015 alone.

Women entering politics face a scary reality: they will receive threats, they will be harassed and bullied online, in person and through the media because of their gender. The political arena remains unsafe for women and that needs to change.

We hoped 2016 marked a dawn of change for women in politics: Canada achieved gender-parity in cabinet, a first in federal politics; the leader of the official Opposition — a woman — was named the hardest working MP.

Politics seemed to embrace equity, or so we thought. Women in politics continue to be subject to more security incidents and threats than their male counterparts.

Entering public service shouldn’t mean that your weight, what you wear, or your family are up for critique.
“Toughen up.” “It’s part of the job.” And “Stop being so soft,” are just some of the retorts women hear when they try to talk about the sexism and harassment they face. Calgary-North West MLA Sandra Jansen made headlines last November when she read out a few of the threatening messages she’s received since entering politics.

Those who heard her speech, praised her bravery, but nothing changed.

Committing to public service is a sacrifice for anyone who takes it on. That sacrifice shouldn’t be your personal safety, your self-esteem or your confidence. Entering public service shouldn’t mean that your weight, what you wear, or your family are up for critique.

Frankly, this isn’t a political perspective, it’s about respect. It isn’t partisan to call out hateful, misogynistic and threatening language directed at women. From comments about their appearances, using their faces as target practice, or physical threats, it’s a nightmare they have had to accept as part of their job. This is not normal behaviour and this is not acceptable behaviour.

It’s no wonder women struggle with the decision to run for office. It’s a toxic environment where women are held to higher standards than their male colleagues, judged on their looks and why they aren’t at home. The attacks women face don’t only affect them, they affect their families and friends who hear these attacks. Sometimes, a woman’s family becomes the focus of attack and she may choose not to run to protect her loved ones.

Let’s back this up with facts: Angus Reid reported 29 per cent of Canadians agree that a major reason women don’t run for office is because they are held to a higher standard than men. Research indicates that 38 per cent of respondents also believe women don’t run because of family commitments.

How do we address this problem? How do we increase the number of women in the House of Commons from 26 per cent to 50 per cent, reflecting the gender breakdown in Canada? We start with respect.

We stop describing women as assertive bitches when their style and approach are confident. We stop describing what they wore – whether pearls or a pantsuit. We speak out against online threats about raping female politicians.

We stop blaming women for the sexism they experience every day and focus instead on people who are sexist. We denounce chants such as “lock her up.” We focus on ideas and policies and direct our criticism there – above the personal fray.

We need to show compassion in how we treat each other online and refuse to be a bystander when we read or hear someone being attacked. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion, we all deserve to feel safe and be safe in any career we choose.

The next generation of leaders are watching and forming ideas about how they want to contribute; we cannot let girls be scared silent.