On International Women’s Day, Minister Maryam Monsef asks ‘What does feminism mean to you?’

It’s International Women’s Day (March 8, 2018), and Maryam Monsef, minister of status of women in Canada, wants Canadians to celebrate the day by sharing what feminism means to you (#MyFeminism).
For Canadian immigrant Monsef, it means, in part, women’s economic empowerment.

Women’s economic empowerment in Canada
Following on the heels of  last week’s federal budget, which for the first-time ever went through a full gender-based “lens,” today Monsef announced the federal government has further made women’s economic empowerment an important priority in Canada and internationally. She announced new funding  of $858,500 to Global Compact Network Canada for a project that will engage the private sector to eliminate barriers facing women in the workplace.

This three-year project,  Gender Equality Leadership in the Canadian Private Sector, will focus on engaging corporate partners to develop, test and implement a set of tools leading to a blueprint for gender equality in the corporate community, as well as a certification system. Similar to the LEED certification for environmentally friendly building design, consumers will then be able to identify companies certified as supportive of gender equality.

“#MyFeminism is about equality, inclusivity and opportunity for every Canadian, regardless of gender. This project with Global Compact Network recognizes that when we invest in women, we strengthen the economy for everyone,” said Monsef.
“More women on corporate boards translates into a significant competitive advantage for Canadian business. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate those who act as positive catalysts for change, such as Global Compact Network Canada.”

Helle Bank Jorgensen, president, Global Compact Network Canada, added: “This project is significant. It is much more than a project. It is a movement. With the help of the remarkable companies and advisory partners, we are to change the future of the workplace so that gender equality is a core value for all successful businesses. In the future, we will be able to recognize those companies, as they will have better financial results, better reputation, better products, better innovation, happier employees and yes, the place that future talent wants to work. The future workplace will be better for us all, men and women.”

This project complements the additional measures announced Budget 2018, including a new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, the introduction of proactive pay equity legislation, the strengthening of the Canada Child Benefit, and the introduction of a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit. Monsef will also lead the Status of Women into full department status, out from under the umbrella of Canadian Heritage.