Systemic barriers, such as gender roles, stereotypes, and discriminatory attitudes and norms, prevent women from participating in politics. Promoting women in leadership and decision-making roles leads to greater gender equality and better social, economic, and political outcomes for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $695,500 for Equal Voice to undertake a project that will ensure Canada's legislatures emerge from the pandemic as more gender-sensitive institutions.
This 27-month project will aim to alleviate systemic barriers to women's involvement in politics, notably by allowing women to participate in political life remotely when needed due to illness, family responsibilities, or other exceptional circumstances.
With chapters in many cities across Canada, Equal Voice is a multi-partisan organization dedicated not only to promoting the election of more women and gender-diverse candidates at all levels of government in Canada, but also to creating a political environment conducive to retaining women in politics.
The Government of Canada is taking action to provide access to rights and opportunities that are unaffected by gender, including by increasing women's representation in senior appointments in the public and private sectors. Systemic change is required to achieve gender equality and a fairer and more inclusive society for all.
