Women’s Program

The Women’s Program drives progress on gender equality by funding projects that break down barriers and expand opportunities for women and girls across Canada. These initiatives strengthen networks, deepen knowledge-sharing, and deliver targeted supports to diverse communities.

Objective of the Women’s Program

The Women’s Program funds organizations to strengthen their capacity and promote systemic change that supports women’s full participation in Canada’s economic, social, and democratic life.

The Women’s Program aims to:

Improve women's and girls' economic security and prosperity
Encourage women and girls to take on leadership and decision-making roles
End violence against women and girls

Women’s organizations have been vital partners in advancing equality for women and girls in all their diversity, driving achievements such as reducing barriers to employment and education. WAGE funding helps build the capacity of women’s organizations to effectively address gender equality and implement successful projects within the communities they serve.

Eligible organizations

The Women's Program funds local, regional, and national initiatives through grants and contributions. Eligible organizations and activities are determined by the general eligibility requirements for the Women’s Program and associated funding opportunities.

Funding for projects is time-limited, and does not provide support for ongoing activities, such as an organization's operations and administration. As available funds are limited, not all qualified applicants may receive funding.

Results

The Women’s Program funds projects that make a real difference in the lives of Canadians. It has strengthened women’s and girls’ involvement in the workforce and in leadership and decision-making roles.

Since the department for Women and Gender Equality was created in 2018, the Women’s Program has delivered the following achievements:

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The Women’s Program continues to enable women to participate fully in Canada’s economic, social, and democratic life with more than 700 completed projects across Canada.

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More than 10,000 tools and resources were developed, including guides, articles and reports. These resources helped women overcome barriers such as harmful gender norms, unconscious bias, limited networks, and unequal access to leadership opportunities.

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Projects reached more than 400,000 women, girls, and other Canadians, reducing barriers to employment and education including lack of mentorship, inflexible work arrangements, limited access to childcare, unequal pay, training gaps, and discrimination.

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More than 4,500 partnerships within and between sectors were established or strengthened, providing women with direct access to mentorship, job opportunities, training programs, funding, peer networks, and hands-on support to advance their careers and leadership opportunities.

Women’s Program Impact: Perspectives from Funded Organizations

“Our Facilitating Leadership, Opportunity and Advocacy in Trades and Technology (FLOATT) project includes working with industry partners to increase inclusion, recruitment, and retention of women in trades, especially in leadership. This funding is a testament to endorsing the belief of what we see as a future in gender equality, particularly with the trades and technology

— Yukon Women in Trades and Technology

“This critical support has strengthened our capacity to deliver high-quality analysis and strategic policy advice that drives change across sectors at the provincial and national levels. Our Strategic Policy and Stakeholder Relations Project initiative has enabled us to meaningfully participate in a wide range of network tables and policy processes, significantly advancing visibility and advocacy for the integration of gendered analysis in policy and decision-making.”

— Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan

“With this funding, we have been compiling information on violent experiences and challenging situations women have faced while participating in politics. Using this information, we will develop toolkits and recommendations to decision-makers with the goal of eliminating violence in all of its forms in political life, so women can overcome these barriers and preserve their physical, psychological, and moral integrity.”

— Groupe femmes, politique et démocratie

“Through connections to local markets and professional networks, microloan opportunities, targeted guidance, and mentorship, our Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network project has amplified the voices of immigrant women entrepreneurs who have built confidence, skills, and community. Most importantly, women in this program are developing leadership skills, building sustainable businesses, and becoming visible advocates for equity and inclusion within the entrepreneurial landscape.”

— Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia

"The success of Canada’s economy is intertwined with the success of women-led businesses. ICTC is thrilled that the Government of Canada is continuing its investments to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs in the digital economy. Through these strategic investments and by working together, we can empower women-led enterprises across the country to build bridges toward economic empowerment, job creation, and a better standard of living for all.”

— The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)