Empowering

Women to

Overcome

Stress By Lynda Maret & Milica Pantic

Presentation Topic

“Migration to a new country can have a

profound impact on a woman’s health

especially as it relates to stress and other internal negative

impacts.”

- Bilkis Vissandjee (University of Montreal)

a: a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a

factor in disease causation

b: a state resulting from a stress ; especially : one of bodily or mental tension resulting from

factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium (Meriam Webster Dictionary)

BALANCE

Stress \‘stres\

7 Stress Factors

AGE

EDUCATION

CHILDCARE

LANGUAGE ISOLATION

INCOME

LIFESKILLS (CANADIAN CONTEXT)

Stress Factors Activity

Stress Factors In Order

Stress Factors In Theory

“The fact is that people are good, if only their fundamental wishes are satisfied; their wish for affection and security. Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior.”

– Abraham Maslow

Case Studies

FACTORS/CASES

CLIENT A CLIENT B CLIENT C CLIENT D

CHILDCARE X X X

ISOLATION X X X X

LANGUAGE X X X

LIFESKILLS X X X

AGE X X

EDUCATION X X X X

INCOME X X X X

7 Steps to Success

I II III IV

V VI VII

7 Steps to

Success in

Detail

STEP 1

SELF-ASSESSMENT:

Identify settlement & adaptation concerns

Analysis: Past & current employment

situation

Recommendations & Referrals

STEP 2

COUNSELING:

One-on-one and/or

Group orientation sessions

Emotional support & guidance

STEP 3

PERSONAL GOAL SETTING:

Holistic goal-setting

SWOT

Short-term & Long-term goals

Professional Support

STEP 4

TRAINING:

Job Search Workshop

Mini Workshops: Advanced Interviewing

Techniques, Career Management, Effective

Business Communication, Self-Branding

Sense of belonging & purpose

STEP 5

PEER ASSESSMENT:

Openness in gender-based program

Constructive criticism

Self-perception vs. Peer-perception

STEP 6

SELF-MARKETING

The Canadian context

Increased confidence & independence

Self-esteem boosting activities

STEP 7

CASE MANAGEMENT:

Relationship building & maintenance

Repeat visits

Ongoing support

Case Studies: Where are they now?

CLIENT A:

Settling Children (Education)

Expanded Canadian Network

LINC (Level 6)

Revised Resume

Actively Job Searching

Case Studies: Where are they now?

CLIENT B:

Childcare Issues Resolved

Active involvement in Community Events

Stable Employment

Continued Job Searching

Education Upgrades

Case Studies: Where are they now?

CLIENT C:

Connections within Francophone community

ESL Classes

Credentials Assessment & Revised Resume

Success in ongoing Job Search

Case Studies: Where are they now?

CLIENT D:

Childcare Issues Resolved

Revised Resume

Sharpened Job Search Skills (Canadian

Context)

Success Story

Q&A“Empower women and you will see a decrease in

poverty, illiteracy, disease and violence.”

– Michaelle Jean