Women of Courage

Turn lived experience into connection, confidence and possibility.

CMHA Calgary is excited to launch the second cohort of Women of Courage, a 15-week peer support training program for women in Calgary who have experienced gender-based violence.

Women of Courage creates a supportive space to build confidence, strengthen skills and explore how lived experience can be used to support others.

Applications are open until September 18, 2026.

About Women of Courage

Women of Courage is designed for women who are ready to take the next step in their journey, connect with others and explore opportunities in peer support.

Over 15 weeks, participants will learn alongside a supportive community while developing practical skills in peer support, communication, leadership and employment readiness.

The program recognizes the strength, knowledge and perspective that can come from lived experience. Participants will have opportunities to build on those strengths while learning how to support others with empathy, boundaries and confidence.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the program, participants will build skills in areas including:

• Peer support principles and practices
• Communication and active listening
• Building healthy boundaries
• Confidence and self-advocacy
• Leadership and teamwork
• Workplace and employment-readiness skills
• Using lived experience to support others safely and meaningfully

No previous peer support experience is required.

Program Details

Program dates: September 24, 2026 to January 19, 2027
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Format: Two 3-hour, in-person sessions each week
Location: CMHA Calgary, 2540 Kensington Road NW, Calgary
Program length: 15 weeks

Who Is the Program For?

Women of Courage is for women in Calgary who have experienced gender-based violence and are interested in:

• Building confidence and new skills
• Connecting with a supportive community
• Learning more about peer support
• Exploring employment or volunteer opportunities
• Using their lived experience to help others

Your Privacy and Safety Matter

We understand that reaching out may not always feel simple or safe.

Information provided through the application process will be kept confidential and shared only with the CMHA Calgary team involved with Women of Courage.

We will only contact you using the methods you tell us are safe.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for the second Women of Courage cohort are open until September 18, 2026.

If you have questions, would like more information, or need support completing the application, please contact:

Noor Abdulbaki
Women of Courage Team Lead
WomenOfCourage@cmha.calgary.ab.ca
587-586-8793