The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced two Calls for Proposals to support organizations in Canada serving women.
Call 1: Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund (Systemic change)
Women in Canada are more likely than men to have post-secondary education. They are participating in the labour market in record numbers in recent months. However, gaps and barriers remain. These include the impact of poverty on women and the continuing gender pay gap. Family care and other unpaid domestic labour are not shared equally. Women do not have equal access to jobs in higher-paying sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Inflation and the rising cost of living further weaken women’s economic security and prosperity. Although more women have become leaders in some sectors, progress is slow. Barriers to women include:
- harassment
- discrimination
- limited access to mentors and networks
- lack of flexible work arrangements
This call for proposals will support projects that seek to change these conditions. Since diverse women face multiple barriers, we will focus on projects that address this complexity.
Call 2: Women’s Capacity Fund (Capacity-building)
A viable women’s movement in Canada is one that includes a diverse range of organizations and perspectives. Some women’s organizations continue to face challenges, particularly those who work with diverse women. Activities that build the capacity of these organizations will help them support women in the future.
This call for proposals will support women’s and Indigenous women’s organizations. We will give priority to projects proposed by those that have never received WAGE capacity-building funding.
Application deadline for both calls: November 3, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Pacific Time / 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
For further information about the Calls for Proposals, click here.
