Projects will advance gender equality in Alberta's and Canada's economies. Local women leaders will be engaged in pan-Canadian network.
EDMONTON, July 19, 2017 /CNW/ - As Canada marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it is important to reflect on our legacy for the future. Despite the important milestones witnessed in these 150 years, women, girls, and gender-non-conforming people still face hardships. A lot more work remains for gender equality to become a reality in Canada. By investing in a strong and thriving women's movement today, we are laying the foundation for gender equality tomorrow.
Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada funding for two projects that will help advance gender equality in Alberta's and Canada's economies.
The Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre) is receiving $354,128 in funding for a three-year project to challenge gender bias and stereotypes affecting women in the science, engineering, trades and technology sectors. The organization will work with industry partners to develop a strategy to address these stereotypes. This will then be shared with stakeholders, including potential employers.
In addition, Women Building Futures is receiving $384,000 for a three-year project to support the hiring and retention of Indigenous women in the construction, maintenance, and oil and gas sectors. The project will bring together Indigenous women, employers and stakeholders to identify barriers and best practices to advance Indigenous women's participation in these industries. The organization will develop a series of workshops on workplace practices and dynamics as well as making recommendations to employers and industry champions on how to support the success of Indigenous women employees.
Quotes
"Strong, dynamic women are the heart of the women's movement and their leadership is key to achieving gender equality. Our Government's initiative will bring them together, at the national level, with the goal of facilitating the exchange of experiences and best practices. This strong, vibrant, and coordinated women's movement will lead the way to equality, for the next 150 years and beyond."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
"When women are empowered to succeed in the economy, all Canadians benefit. With these projects, women across Alberta will enjoy greater opportunities to work in several well-paying sectors of our economy. By challenging the barriers that hold women back, Canadian industries can benefit from women's enormous economic potential and leadership skills. This will contribute to their success."
Terry Duguid
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women
"We are proud to work with the Government of Canada on this project to break down the stereotypes that often hold women back from careers in science, engineering, trades and technology. These industries depend on innovation and they need the diverse skills and perspectives of women to compete in the global economy."
Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour, Chair
Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology
"Indigenous women have a lot to offer the construction, maintenance and oil and gas industries, but they face unique challenges in trying to access those careers. This project will identify the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous women and work with employers to find solutions."
Kathy Kimpton, President and CEO
Women Building Futures
Quick Facts
- In October 2016, Status of Women Canada invited organizations to propose projects that advance gender equality across Canada. As of June 2017, some 50 projects have been approved for over $18 million in Funding to Advance Gender Equality with the goal of empowering great Canadian women and enabling their good work to set the stage for the next 150 years. This is the most funding to ever be approved through a Status of Women Canada call for proposals. Approved projects will take place over a period of three years.
- These initiatives are part of a federal investment of over $18 million in support of grassroots organizations and 150 women leaders across the country who will work together as part of a pan-Canadian network. They will thereby contribute to feminist action for gender equality at the national level. The network is being convened by the Canadian Women's Foundation.
- The Women's Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers that contribute to gender inequality in Canada.
Related Produc
- Backgrounder
Associated Links
- Information on Funding to Advance Gender Equality in Canada
- Status of Women Canada – Women's Program
- Canadian Women's Foundation
- Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology
- Women Building Futures
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Backgrounder
Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre) - $354,128
The WinSETT Centre is a non-profit organization that aspires to recruit, retain and advance women in the science, engineering, trades and technology sectors.
The WinSETT Centre is receiving $354,128 in funding for a three-year project to challenge gender biases and stereotypes impeding women from joining the science, engineering, trades and technology sectors. The organization will work with industry partners to develop a strategy to address these stereotypes.This will then be shared with stakeholders, including potential employers.
Women Building Futures (WBF) - $384,000
WBF has been working since 1998 to prepare women for well-paying careers in industries where women have historically been under-represented.
The organization is receiving $384,000 for a three-year project to support the hiring and retention of Indigenous women in the construction, maintenance, and oil and gas sectors. The project will bring together Indigenous women, employers and stakeholders to identify barriers and best practices to advance Indigenous women's participation in these industries. The organization will develop a series of workshops on workplace practices and dynamics as well as making recommendations to employers and industry champions on how to support the success of Indigenous women employees.
Call for proposals: Funding to Advance Gender Equality in Canada – Over $18 million
In October 2016, Status of Women Canada invited organizations to propose projects that advance gender equality across Canada. As of June 2017, some 50 projects have been approved for over $18 million in Funding to Advance Gender Equality.
Over the course of 36-months, the projects will address systemic barriers in Status of Women Canada's three areas of focus: increasing women's economic security and prosperity; encouraging women and girls to be better represented in leadership and decision-making roles; and ending violence against women and girls.
The Canadian Women's Foundation will convene a strong, independent, pan-Canadian network of women leaders to support feminist action for gender equality at the national level. These leaders have been chosen for their remarkable efforts at the local level to advance gender equality with women, girls and gender non-conforming people. By creating a network of visionary women, we will broaden the reach of their efforts beyond their communities – inspiring others from across the country to add their voices and contribute their ideas towards achieving real progress.
SOURCE Status of Women Canada
Philippe Charlebois, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-618-8546; Léonie Roux, Public Affairs Officer, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6821
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