From: Status of Women Canada
News release
Project will improve gender equality by addressing barriers to employment
November 1, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario – Status of Women Canada
Vulnerable and marginalized women, including women who live in remote and Northern communities, racialized and Indigenous women, women fleeing violence, newcomers, single mothers, LGBTQ2 women, low-income women, and women with disabilities and exceptionalities, face numerous barriers to employment. Our government is working to remove these barriers so that we improve women’s financial security, grow the middle class and strengthen our economy.
Today, the Minister of Status of Women, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, announced new federal funding to address systemic barriers faced by vulnerable and marginalized women trying to find jobs. YWCA Canada, the country’s oldest and largest women’s multi-service organization, will receive $1.25 million for a 36-month project to increase women’s financial security by improving access to employment and training.
This project will research, test, and implement solutions to the systemic barriers that vulnerable and marginalized women face in seeking employment. Research will take place in YWCA member association sites across Canada and apply a diversity and inclusion lens, often referred to as Gender-based Analysis Plus. Next, the project will identify and test the most successful wrap-around programs to accessing jobs in Calgary, Halifax, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Yellowknife. Finally, successful initiatives will be implemented across Canada through 20 YWCA member associations.
The project will work with public, private and civil society partners to effectively implement initiatives and change practices to economically empower vulnerable and marginalized women and enable them to participate fully in the economy.
Quotes
“All Canadians, regardless of gender, deserve an equal and fair chance of success, but they will not have it if they can’t access good quality jobs. Our government’s investment in this project will support vulnerable and marginalized women, who are often excluded from our economy, by providing them with the tailored services they need to help them join or rejoin the job market. Together, with YWCA Canada and private sector partners like RBC and others, we are working to remove barriers to women’s economic participation, so that we grow our middle class and strengthen our economy for everyone.”
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
“Increasing economic security for marginalized and vulnerable women is still needed in Canada. I welcome the Government of Canada’s investment in this project which will help women who experience systemic discrimination when it comes to employment, wages and working conditions. Over the life of the project, we will develop programs that will be replicated across Canada in partnership with public, private and civil society leaders with the goal of attaining economic equality for all women in Canada.”
Maya Roy
Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Canada
Quick facts
- McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by taking steps to advance economic equality for women, Canada could add $150 billion to its economy by 2026.
- The Women’s Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers.
- Since its inception in 1870, YWCA Canada has developed extensive expertise and knowledge serving vulnerable and marginalized women. The organization taught stenography and typing to women as far back as 1875 when these trades were considered too physically demanding for women. YWCA Canada is well-equipped to ensure a strong understanding of the best ways forward to full labour market inclusion and, ultimately, gender equality.
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Associated links
Contacts
Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Status of Women
343-549-8825
Valérie Haché
Communications Officer
Status of Women Canada
819-420-8684
This story is on Govt of Canada Website go to the link click here
