For decades, Toronto has been home to a significant Ukrainian diaspora. In fact, it’s the largest and most active Ukrainian diaspora in the world. Ukrainians began settling in Toronto in the late 19th century, developing their community, culture, and traditions. Our city even saw the creation of Ukrainian publications, including women’s magazines. Today, we’ll delve into the history and development of some of these Ukrainian magazines. You can find more information on this topic on torontonka.com.
The Ukrainian Diaspora: Key Facts
Towards the end of the 19th century, Toronto saw an influx of immigrants from various countries, including Ukrainians. The Ukrainian population in Toronto experienced significant growth, especially after the Second World War. It was during this period that the Ukrainian community in our city truly began to flourish.
The Ukrainian diaspora in Toronto is actively involved in educational and cultural projects aimed at preserving national identity. This commitment has led to the establishment of several Ukrainian schools and Ukrainian language courses in Toronto. Numerous organizations and foundations host a variety of cultural events, festivals, and concerts. Additionally, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church have their own parishes and cultural centres in Toronto.
Ukrainian Women’s Magazines Published in Toronto
Given that Toronto’s Ukrainian diaspora is one of the largest globally, it’s no surprise that magazines and various publications in the Ukrainian language were published in our city.
One publication worthy of special attention is the magazine “Жіночий світ” (Woman’s World). This women’s magazine was founded in 1950 in Winnipeg. It was considered the print publication of the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, named after Olga Basarab.
In 1973, the editorial office of “Жіночий світ” relocated to Toronto. It’s important to note that this publication was created for the national upbringing and civic consciousness of Ukrainian women. Through the magazine, the diaspora also stayed informed about key events and news within the Ukrainian community.
“Українка у світі” (Ukrainian Woman in the World) is another women’s magazine from the past that was also published in Toronto. As you might guess, this publication also catered to the Ukrainian diaspora. The women’s magazine was established in 1963 as the official publication of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (WFUWO). Initially, however, the magazine was published in the United States. Twenty years later, the editorial office and publication of the magazine were moved to Toronto.
In Toronto, “Українка у світі” continued its mission, covering various topics relevant to Ukrainian women and beyond. Its pages offered insights into cultural, educational, and community issues of the Ukrainian diaspora, among other things.
It’s worth noting that the women’s magazine highlighted cultural events, educational programs, and the development of Ukrainian culture within the diaspora. “Українка у світі” also promoted women’s rights and supported women’s organizations both in Ukraine and abroad. And, of course, like any Ukrainian publication, this magazine featured news and articles about historical events in Ukraine and the lives of immigrants around the world.
As of 2021, over 61,000 Ukrainians resided in Toronto. Ukrainians in Canada work in a variety of roles, from general labourers to qualified specialists in different companies. After 2022, the number of Ukrainians in Toronto increased significantly, as the full-scale war in Ukraine led Ukrainian refugees to seek safety not only in Canada but also in other countries worldwide.
We hope you found this informative piece interesting and that you’ve learned more about our city and the development of Ukrainian culture and press in Toronto.