Call for proposals: Funding to Advance Gender Equality in Canada

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.

Over the course of 36-months, the projects will address systemic barriers in Status of Women Canada’s three areas of focus: increasing women’s economic security and prosperity, encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles, and ending violence against women and girls.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation will facilitate a pan-Canadian network of women leaders to support feminist action for gender equality at the national level. These leaders have been chosen for their remarkable efforts at the local level to realize tangible advancements in supporting and empowering women, girls and gender non-conforming people. By creating a network of visionary women we will broaden the reach of their efforts beyond their communities – inspiring others from across the country to add their voices and contribute their ideas towards achieving real progress.

The following projects will advance gender equality in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario:

Canadian College of Health Leaders ($399,976)

This project will address the under-representation of women in leadership positions in Ontario’s health care system. The organization will conduct a gender-based analysis to identify systemic barriers and will review systemic changes that were successful in Canada and abroad. It will use learning laboratories to develop tools and resources to support the implementation of systemic changes.

Harmony House ($400,000)

This project will address gaps in family justice services for women who have experienced violence. In collaboration with key stakeholders, including survivors, family law practitioners, law professors, women’s resource centres, and shelters, the organization will conduct a gender-based analysis of the impact of family law practice on survivors of violence. Through this project, a collaborative training model for legal professionals and revisions to family law courses at the University of Ottawa will be developed.

Lowertown Community Resource Centre – City for All Women Initiative ($391,500)

This project will improve the economic security of women and girls by addressing the gendered impacts of poverty in Ottawa. In collaboration with local women’s organizations, the organization will apply a gender-based analysis to develop recommendations on poverty reduction measures. Key stakeholders will also be engaged in identifying and implementing strategies to influence policies, practices, services and budgets in Ottawa’s municipal institutions to increase their effectiveness for women and girls.

Métis Nation of Ontario ($332,780)

This project will strengthen the leadership of Métis women in the Métis Nation of Ontario and advance their needs in the governance structure, policies, and practices. A steering committee comprised of Métis women will apply a gender-based lens to the organization’s existing structures and policies and identify barriers (such as poverty, trauma, and loss of cultural identity) that prevent elected Métis women from exercising leadership in their community. Based on the input provided, the organization will develop and implement a culture-based gender framework and province-wide strategy to support Métis women in their respective leadership roles

Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) ($399,500)

This project seeks to improve tracking and reporting of sexual assaults by law enforcement authorities in Ontario. Working with key stakeholders from women’s sexual assault centres, shelter networks, and police services, the organization will design an accountability model based on the “Philadelphia Model”. The model will be piloted in various Ontario communities.

Women's Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County ($277,650)

This project will improve response systems for victims of sexual violence in Renfrew County by empowering women and girls to advocate for enhanced and accessible services in rural contexts. A survivor community advisory committee will support the organization in identifying key issues and solutions. The organization will work with survivors and service providers to develop a resource manual on survivor self-advocacy. It will be used to pilot strategies to improve victim response systems and survivor experience.