Backgrounder: WINNIPEG - New funding will help support a vibrant gender equality movement across Canada

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs - $382,283

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is receiving $382,283 for a three-year project to increase the participation of First Nations women in the skilled trades in Manitoba. Women leaders will work in the community to identify and address barriers to employment in the trades. These include but are not limited to the lack of transportation, family responsibilities and discrimination. The project will also work with employers and training institutions to adapt education programs and apprenticeships to the needs of Indigenous women.

Southern Chiefs’ Organization - $384,002

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is receiving $384,002 for a three-year project to address the barriers faced by Indigenous women who are incarcerated as they reintegrate into society in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba. Such barriers include accessing services like housing and banking. Working with partners, the organization will develop an action plan to change policies, services and procedures so that they provide more flexible, accessible and culturally appropriate services for Indigenous women.

Ending Violence Across Manitoba Inc. - $400,000

Ending Violence Across Manitoba Inc. is receiving $400,000 for a three-year project to improve services for survivors of high risk domestic violence cases. The organization will identify gaps in existing resources. It will also develop an action plan that addresses the specific needs of Manitoba residents. It will work with partner agencies to test promising practices and share the results with others working in the sector to ensure a coordinated response to survivors throughout the province.

West Central Women’s Resource Centre - $400,000

West Central Women’s Resource Centre is receiving $400,000 for a three-year project to address the systemic barriers faced by women exiting homelessness in Winnipeg. As part of Winnipeg’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, the organization will develop a gender-based housing strategy and will establish referral protocol for shelters, correction facilities and other institutions to help them address the complex needs of women in their care. The results of the project will be shared broadly among stakeholders to strengthen coordination and uptake of the gender-based housing approach.

Willow Place Inc. - $400,000

Willow Place Inc. is receiving $400,000 for a three-year project to improve Manitoba’s family services and justice system practices for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The organization will work with partners to recommend ways to modify existing policies, structures and practices and will pilot promising practices. The results will be shared with government policy-makers and sector leaders.

Call for proposals: Funding to Advance Gender Equality in Canada – Over $18 million

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 to be better represented in leadership and decision-making roles, and ending violence against women and girls.

The Canadian Women’s Foundation will convene a strong, independent, 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 advance gender equality with 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.