Women RISE Toronto Campaign

By Ammatul Isra

My name is Ammatul Isra, 22 and I am in the final stretch of completing my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, with a deep focus on community health and advocacy for marginalized groups. Growing up as a South Asian woman, I’ve witnessed the ways systemic barriers can shape lives, particularly for women and racialized communities. These experiences have fueled my passion for creating equity, empowering others, and building networks of support that allow people to thrive.

Currently, I’m navigating a whirlwind of responsibilities: pursuing my practicum at Bangladeshi Canadian Community Services (BCS), engaging in youth empowerment initiatives, supporting my family by caring for my younger siblings and assisting my parents, and working part-time as a hostess in a bustling downtown restaurant. Balancing these roles isn’t easy, but they’ve taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of empathy.

I joined the Women RISE program at Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services to connect with like-minded women committed to social justice, and to gain tools that help me juggle my professional, academic, and personal commitments. Women RISE has been a transformative experience—providing mentorship, workshops, and a strong sense of solidarity.

A Vision of Empowerment

My ultimate career goal is to become a compassionate and impactful social worker. I dream of advocating for policies that address mental health disparities, economic inequality, and social exclusion, particularly for women and youth from racialized backgrounds. Social work is more than a career for me—it’s a calling to amplify the voices of those often silenced or overlooked.

Through my work, I hope to break down systemic barriers and create a ripple effect of empowerment. Supporting my family has always been a priority, and achieving my dreams will allow me to provide for them while also giving back to my community. More importantly, I want to inspire other young women—especially women of color—to pursue careers where they can lead and create change.

Navigating Barriers with Resilience

Being a South Asian woman comes with both pride and challenges. In my personal and professional life, I’ve encountered biases and stereotypes that force me to prove my capabilities time and again. Working as a hostess has highlighted how underrepresentation and tokenism often shape interactions, reminding me of the importance of inclusivity in all spaces.

Balancing academic demands, a rigorous practicum, and family responsibilities has tested me in ways I didn’t anticipate. There are moments when exhaustion sets in, but I’ve learned to channel these challenges into motivation. The emotional toll of navigating discrimination and systemic barriers can be heavy, but my passion for social work drives me to keep going.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Addressing these challenges requires action on multiple levels. On a personal level, I’ve embraced learning opportunities, such as stress management workshops through Women RISE, that provide me with the tools to navigate my busy life. These sessions have been invaluable in helping me manage anxiety, balance priorities, and build resilience.

Collectively, the network I’ve found through Women RISE has been transformative. Connecting with other women who share similar challenges has shown me the power of solidarity. Together, we brainstorm strategies to address common barriers, from professional development to fostering emotional well-being.

On a systemic level, I am passionate about advocating for inclusive hiring practices within social work and beyond. Diverse perspectives are essential to building effective, empathetic policies. I aim to engage employers and HR professionals in meaningful conversations about the unique struggles of racialized women and push for more equitable recruitment, retention, and promotion practices.

Mentorship is another cornerstone of my efforts. I have sought guidance from incredible mentors who’ve helped me navigate my career path, and I hope to pay it forward by mentoring other young women of color entering the social work field. Sharing my journey and lessons learned is one way I aim to make the path easier for those who follow.

Moving Forward with Purpose

My journey in social work has been shaped by resilience, the support of community, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Women RISE has played a pivotal role in giving me the confidence and tools to take on challenges head-on.

Looking ahead, I am determined to continue fighting for equity and inclusion—both in my personal endeavors and through collective action. Whether it’s advocating for policy reforms, mentoring future leaders, or simply being a source of support for someone in need, I believe every step contributes to a brighter, more inclusive future.

Through empathy, resilience, and action, I hope to inspire others to rise above barriers and build a world where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to succeed.

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