Achieving gender equality and creating inclusive economic growth are crucial to women’s economic empowerment. The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (the Committee) heard that in recent decades, women’s participation in the labour force has increased. Although gender parity has not been reached in certain sectors of the labour force, there are more women in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as the trades and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in entrepreneurship, as well as in leadership positions, when compared to the past.

Despite these gains, women in Canada continue to face barriers and challenges to their economic participation and empowerment. These barriers include: exclusionary and biased workplace and social cultures; gender-based violence; challenges in accessing financial support; a lack of access to education and skills training; availability of child care services; and access to other relevant supports and services.

Witnesses spoke to the Committee about ways to support women’s economic empowerment in Canada. They focused on poverty reduction supports and services, initiatives to change workplace and social cultures, opportunities for networking and mentorship, changes to financing and funding structures, improving data collection and access to new and diverse markets. The Committee provides 12 recommendations to the Government of Canada, with the goal of supporting women’s economic empowerment in Canada.