WHAT WE DO
OUR MISSION
CIBWE celebrates Black women and the advancements they have made in Canada and beyond. We deliver our programs through creative platforms such as events, publications, training, online platforms, social enterprises, capacity building and special projects to connect the Black women we serve to the world of opportunities available here in Ontario, Canada and beyond.
2000 Women Impacted to Date
700 Awards Distributed
180 Hours Donated by Volunteers
Rose-Cathy Handy the founder
From Cameroonian immigrant to business leader, Rose Cathy Handy, CEO of H.E.R Consulting and Services Inc., was inspired to create an event that would not only benefit the women of her home country but also showcase, elevate and promote Black women, both immigrant and native to Canada. This event would highlight these women’s achievements and accolades in the face of adversity. Following a series of successful events and driven by the desire to honor her dearly departed sister’s legacy, Handy has since expanded CIBWE’s reach. It has evolved from a singular event into an organization dedicated to the recognition of Black women in Canada and beyond.
Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch
Do you know a Black woman in your community, business, organization, or life who invests her energy in the community? Do you know a Black woman who is devoted to their work, causes, communities, and corporations but isn’t getting the visibility she deserves? In the spirit of celebrating the achievers, trailblazers, movers, and shakers among our Black sisters, we are calling you to put them forward. This nomination is your chance to highlight her as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch.
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How it started
CIBWE’s goal is to enable Black women to understand and access opportunities by becoming more involved in their development.
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Our founder
From Cameroon to Canada, Rose Cathy Handy paved the way for international Black women. She is the woman behind CIBWE.
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How it's going
At the soul of CIBWE are the women we honour. Learn more about the 100 Black Pearls.
Fundraising
We are pleased to support The Esther Handy Children’s Fund, a unique initiative to raise funds to support the education of young girls in Canada and Cameroon. This project aims to offer leadership training to young Black girls in Canada and help tuition fees for girls in Cameroon. This fund is in memory of Esther Handy, a young woman from Cameroon who lost her life at age 38 due to complications from HIV/AIDS. Esther was a nurse who dedicated her life to helping HIV-positive pregnant women deliver their babies with dignity and support. Unfortunately, while doing this selfless work, she contracted HIV which later claimed her life. Throughout it all, she never hesitated to use her small salary to help the children; buy them clothes and ensure they went to school. With your support and generosity, the goal this year is to send 30-50 orphaned children or those from low-income families, to school. If you would like to make a donation, please email cibwetoronto@gmail.com.