45 years later, Montreal women’s centre constantly evolving to meet community’s needs

A community centre in Ahuntsic-Cartierville created by Italian immigrants is helping empower women in Montreal.

Much has changed at the Centre des femmes solidaires et engagées since its inception in 1978.

Now celebrating its 45th anniversary, the centre offers a variety of services to reflect the times we live in: it helps women break social isolation, escape situations of violence, and overcome poverty.

“The needs are there,” said executive director Pina Di Pasquale. “We’re talking about poverty – inflation has gone up. We’re talking about housing. We’re talking about conjugal violence.

“Things have evolved here at the centre, but I really applaud the women that came before me, that made it possible for me to live the journey that I’m living today.”

Reflecting on the milestone, Di Pasquale proudly remembers the work done by all those who preceded her in the battle for women’s equality.

“Assunta Sauro was one of the co-founders of the centre,” she said. “She also worked here at the centre for 20 years. And she worked at the centre at a time where things weren’t the way they are now. She worked with a lot of volunteers. There wasn’t money coming in, a lot of sacrifices, a lot of giving up on her own life to be able to meet the needs of the centre.

“So she needs to be applauded. The founders of the centres need to be applauded.”

Celebrating 45 years of fighting for equality in Montreal also comes with looking to the future, says the centre’s assistant director.

“I wish that the centre continues its mission, because it’s a very important mission that has been started from 1978,” said Carolina Eleazzaro. “And maybe, who knows, one day we can afford to buy a new building and have more space, have more activities here at the centre.”

Rolanda Pauletta has been going to the centre for 26 years. This year, she says she was “spoiled” by everybody at the centre who celebrated and acknowledged her work as a volunteer and her 90th birthday.

“They really celebrated me in everything and for everything,” Pauletta said.

While they look back and ahead, those involved with the Centre des femmes solidaires et engagées say at the end of the day, it always comes down to those who need the services.

“We put in a lot to be able to do a lot to meet all the needs of the women, to meet the needs of society. But we’re a voice out there,” said Di Pasquale.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes, and we have more of a variety of ethnocultural communities,” added Eleazzaro. “And this is very rich for the centre, because we learn from one another. And I find that it’s very precious for us to have these women come to the centre.”