Minister Monsef attends first meeting of the Gender Equality Network Canada
Canadian Women's Foundation receives more than $1.3 million in funding to support network of women leaders
TORONTO, Sept. 18, 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 discrimination. There is more work remaining 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, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, attended the inaugural meeting of the Gender Equality Network Canada. The network, made up of 150 women leaders from a variety of sectors, organizations, and communities across the country, will address systemic barriers to gender equality in Canada. These leaders have been nominated for their remarkable efforts at the local level to advance gender equality with women, girls and gender non-conforming people. To support the vital work of this network, the Canadian Women's Foundation is receiving more than $1.3 million in Government of Canada funding.
This initiative is part of an investment of over $18 million by the federal government to support organizations and engage women leaders across the country. These leaders will work together as part of a pan-Canadian network to support feminist action for gender equality at the national level. This meeting is the first of five national gatherings that will take place across the country.
Quotes
"My Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid and I have spent the past few months traveling the country to announce $18 million of investments in organizations advancing gender equality. We've heard stories of powerful and dynamic women leading this noble work and look forward to connecting with the network of women leaders in Toronto. If our encounters over the summer are any indication, there will be no shortage of energy or inspiration in the room. I suspect we will all share a restlessness to do more to ensure that the next 150 years record a story of more choice, more safety and more opportunity for girls, women and gender non-conforming people living in Canada."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
"Today's inaugural meeting of the Gender Equality Network Canada is an important step forward to advancing gender equality in Canada. The Canadian Women's Foundation is proud to support the work of these extraordinary women leaders who are contributing to Canada's vibrant women's movement."
Paulette Senior
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Canadian Women's Foundation
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. . 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.
- Regional organizations receiving funding from Status of Women Canada for local projects were asked to identify the women leaders and engage them in their local projects to advance gender equality, as well as participate in the Gender Equality Network Canada.
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