Homelessness is a deeply gendered issue, with most services shaped by the experiences of cisgender men. In Canada, women and gender diverse (WGD) populations face unique challenges, one of these challenges being the intersection of pregnancy and homelessness, which requires a comprehensive understanding of the diverse factors and barriers that lead to negative outcomes for individuals and their infants. Yet, research on this is limited.
This project examines the difficulties faced by pregnant women and WGD individuals experiencing homelessness in Canada, highlighting how current housing policies often neglect their needs, resulting in inadequate access to prenatal and postnatal support.
By contrasting their experiences with those of cisgender men, this publication aims to shed light on “hidden homelessness” and unsafe living conditions. This was developed from a June 2023 symposium in Toronto, which brought together various stakeholders to explore more inclusive housing solutions. Additionally, the intended outcome is to encourage adopting a gender-based analysis (GBA+) approach for policy-making,service providers, and advocates working in the homelessness and women’s health sectors.
