Date of publication: Monday 1 September 2025

CWCLN Launches New Digital Hub to Amplify Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Work in Canada

by Sophia Jacob

OTTAWA (August 2025) — The Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network (CWCLN) is proud to unveil a new digital space dedicated to Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice in Canada, building on the momentum of its groundbreaking Impact Report released earlier this year.

This interactive page serves as a national hub to highlight systemic inequities, elevate community voices, and honour the leadership of Black women, femmes, and gender-diverse people across the country. It connects visitors to CWCLN’s advocacy, research, and programs—offering tools to learn, share, and take action.

 Explore the new digital space here:
https://canadianwomenofcolour.ca/black-maternal-health-and-reproductive-justice-canada/
(Also accessible by clicking “Programs” at canadianwomenofcolour.ca)

Landmark Impact Report Released in May

In May 2025, on the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, CWCLN released its Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Impact Report—a landmark publication capturing two years of outreach, advocacy, and culturally grounded programming.

The report documents the systemic barriers Black birthing people face, while spotlighting grassroots efforts to transform care through community-led solutions.

“Every story we heard—every barrier named—reinforced the need for structural change and more Black-led spaces in maternal health,” said Sophia Jacob, CWCLN Founder and CEO. “This report honours that truth.”

Highlights from the Report Launch:

  • Keynote by Kimberley Okafor (BRITE) on postpartum inequities and practical recommendations;
  • Proclamation of April as Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month in Ottawa, with solidarity from other cities;
  • Launch of CWCLN’s Doula Needs Assessment Survey to guide future peer support, mentorship, and training;
  • Reflections from public health leaders, including Ottawa Public Health, on care gaps and the importance of cultural safety.

CWCLN’s Strategic Focus:

  1. Advocacy & Policy Change
    Grounded in disaggregated data, lived experience, and municipal to federal policy engagement.
  2. Community Mobilization & Education
    Storytelling, peer learning, campaigns, and culturally relevant workshops to empower and inform.
  3. Capacity Building & Workforce Development
    Training and mentorship for Black doulas, peer educators, and maternal health leaders.

National Working Group Launched

The report also introduced CWCLN’s Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Working Group, a national network advancing perinatal equity, community research, and systemic change.

“We don’t want to operate in silos,” said Danielle James, CWCLN’s Engagement and Learning Coordinator. “This page—and the report—reflect the power of partnership.”

To read the full Impact Report and explore the new hub, visit:
canadianwomenofcolour.ca/black-maternal-health-and-reproductive-justice-canada/

Join us in honouring Black maternal health leadership, sharing knowledge, and building a future rooted in care and justice.