Event: Atelier Sayacare: My health, my rights, my power
On September 27th, we brought together women from the African diaspora at Sayaspora for an essential workshop on navigating the Canadian healthcare system. Entitled “My Health, My Rights, My Power”, this supportive space provided an in-depth understanding of how the healthcare system works in Canada, what patients’ rights are, and how to access care with confidence and autonomy.
Event Objective
This workshop aimed to provide participants with clear and practical knowledge about their health and rights.
Learning from a Public Health Expert
The workshop was led by a specialist who demystified the workings of the Canadian healthcare system, explained care pathways, and shared practical tools for identifying rights, asserting needs, and navigating the various healthcare structures with confidence.
Discussions and Exchanges Among Women of the Diaspora
After the presentation, participants shared in small groups, discussing their personal experiences, challenges, and victories in their healthcare journeys. These intimate conversations fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding.
Resources and Tools for Women
The final part of the workshop provided practical resources: key information on patients’ rights, community organizations, tools for preparing for medical appointments, and tips for making their voices heard in healthcare settings.
Program Details
Learning | Exchanges | Resource Sharing
From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., participants enjoyed an immersive experience that included:
— Opening remarks and presentation of the SayaCare project
— Presentation by a public health expert
— Small group discussions
— Sharing of essential resources
— Q&A session
— Evaluation and closing in a welcoming atmosphere
A Transformative Workshop
This event was a truly empowering and connecting experience. Each participant left with a better understanding of her rights, tools to navigate the healthcare system with confidence, and a sense of belonging to a community that is moving forward together.
The SayaCare Project
SayaCare, supported by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, is a Sayaspora initiative that aims to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare for women of the African diaspora in Canada. Through workshops, a podcast, a multilingual guide, and an awareness campaign, SayaCare creates spaces where women can learn, express themselves, recognize themselves, and care for themselves with dignity and confidence. Through workshops like this one, we aim to offer a safe space to understand, ask questions, and reclaim control of your health—your body, your journey, and your rights.
