The Consulate General of India, Toronto organized a special seminar on ‘Empowering Indian Women in Canada’ on October 5, 2026, bringing together women, community organizations, legal and counseling professionals and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the support mechanisms available to Indian women in Canada. The seminar highlighted the One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW), a Government of India initiative launched in Toronto in December 2025 to facilitate access to legal, psychosocial, consular and community support services for women facing difficult or distressing circumstances.
The seminar brought together representatives from Peel Regional Police, legal and counseling professionals associated with the One Stop Centre for Women, and leading community organizations working in the areas of women’s welfare, health and social services. The event was attended by Indian women nationals, international students, representatives of women’s groups, NPOs and community organizations, as well as individuals working to support women. Participants engaged directly with lawyers, counselors, police representatives and community-service professionals, gaining valuable information on available support, resources and avenues for assistance.
The programme commenced with a Durga Stuti, followed by an address by Mr. Mahaveer Singhvi, Consul General of India, Toronto, who said, “The One Stop Centre for Women reflects the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring that women facing difficult circumstances are not left without support. Awareness is the first and most important step towards accessing assistance. Through this initiative, we seek to ensure that Indian women in Canada know where to turn for legal guidance, counseling, consular assistance and community support when they need it. The Consulate remains committed to working with our community partners to make these resources more accessible and to strengthen the support network available to Indian women.”
The seminar introduced OSCW and focused on raising awareness among the Indian community, particularly women, about available safety, legal, psychosocial and community support mechanisms through OSCW and its partner organizations. A ‘Women’s Safety Awareness’ session was also organized by the Peel Regional Police, focusing on personal safety, awareness of risks, available support services, and practical guidance for women on accessing local law-enforcement and community resources. An interactive Panel discussion and Q&A with legal and mental health professionals covered legal rights, legal aid, counseling and psychosocial support, community resources and avenues for assistance, empowering Indian women to better understand, navigate and access appropriate support. The event also featured a sensitization skit highlighting the risks of sex trafficking faced by international students, underscoring the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking timely support from OSCW and relevant authorities. The event concluded with the felicitation of all participants and contributors.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto remains committed to empowering Indian women and supporting the wider Indian diaspora in Canada by working closely with government agencies, professional service providers, and community organizations to enhance awareness and facilitate timely access to appropriate assistance and support.
The One Stop Centre for Women (OSCW) operates from the Consulate General of India, Toronto, with its Centre Administrator available 24×7 on the helpline no. +1 (437) 552-3309 and email osc.toronto@mea.gov.in.
