Life is hectic, and the way most of us move through it is alongside our peers—women who are roughly the same age, going through similar stages (students, young professionals, new moms, etc.). Running with the pack is what comes easy and naturally, but a new event coming to Toronto wants to challenge this norm. 

On Tuesday, October 18, Generation Women Canada will bring together six storytellers from six generations for a night of “wit and wisdom”. The theme of the evening is Flesh and Bone, stories about the Female Body. Speakers will get vulnerable and share stories that explore their ever-changing relationship with their body, from fears and anxieties to body love, joy, and pleasure.

Generation Women was founded in New York City by novelist Georgia Clark, who wanted to “create a storytelling event where women of all ages could come together and feel comfortable and heard.” It was during a getaway in 2019 when Torontonians Jennifer Baxendale and Kirstin Turnbull discovered Clark’s beloved event. “We were in New York for a weekend and the night looked intriguing, so we ventured out to see what it was all about, and what we witnessed blew our minds,” says Baxendale. The duo were so inspired that they set out to bring the event to Canada.

Baxendale has long understood the power that comes when you fill a room with multiple generations of women. “I’ve been going to AA meetings for over a decade, and I’ve always loved the magic that happens when you bring together women of all ages, but I had never witnessed that kind of experience outside of recovery,” says Baxendale, who recently celebrated 10 years of sobriety. “There is such a unique kind of support that happens… a deep exchange of wisdom when you get outside your immediate circle and mix with people much younger and much older than yourself. That night in NYC made me realize that it’s possible to design something similar to what I hold dear, but open it up to all women.” 

The Generation Women Canada launch event boasts a phenomenal lineup of speakers:

Team 20’s – Ghanwa Shahnawaz is a mental health advocate on a mission to redefine humanity by challenging what it personally means to us.  

Team 30’s – Raia Carey is a 3x Certified Life Coach and motivational speaker, Raia is passionate about encouraging others to tap into the confidence they never knew they had. 

Team 40’s – Karen Cleveland is a mother, marketing strategist and writer. She co-authored “The New Wedding Book”. 

Team 50’s – Apanaki Temitayo M is a Toronto-based multi-disciplinary artist. Born in Toronto and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. Apanaki is a bi-sexual, single mother of three. She is an author, spoken word poet, actor, multimedia artist and teacher. Her canvas compositions are an expression of her Trinidadian heritage and spirituality.

Team 60’s – Lee-Anne McAlear is an award-winning facilitator, educator, consultant, author and speaker. She is Program Director at the Centre of Excellence in Innovation Leadership at The Schulich School of Business.

Team 70’s – Marcia McClung is a retired marketing communications professional.  Marcia is the granddaughter of suffragist, reformer, legislator and author Nellie McClung.

After two years of isolating in bubbles, where “the village” of support has been completely missing, Generation Women is not just something we want, but something we desperately need. Expect a warm and nurturing event with unforgettable stories, big laughter, and a great variety of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to enjoy. 

Generation Women Canada: A storytelling night from Toronto is happening October 18 at The Lounge at Live Nation Canada. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from Eventbrite.