Equality Matters newsletter: March 2026
In this issue, we’ll get you ready for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 on March 8 with toolkits and resources. We also look at how Nova Scotia Baseball’s participation in Women and Sport’s Gender Equity Playbook program is enabling girls to stay involved in baseball longer, and learn everything you need to know about “women in the economy” in 3 minutes.
And one last thing, keep an eye on your inboxes in April, Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) is marking something special...
Celebrate International Women’s Day
Join us on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026! This day recognizes and celebrates women’s social, economic, and political achievements. It’s also a time to highlight the progress made in advancing women’s rights and the ongoing efforts needed to ensure their full participation in all aspects of society.
Looking for ways to get involved?
- Learn about inspiring Canadian women and the history of gender equality in Canada
- Share stories of women making a difference in your community, school, or workplace
- Take action to support gender equality in your everyday life (support women-led initiatives, challenge stereotypes, promote fairness and understanding)
- Download the digital toolkit, full of social media and virtual meeting background graphics
Helping girls stay in the game
Keeping girls involved in sport remains a challenge. Research shows that by late adolescence, one in three girls leave sport, compared to one in ten boys. When girls drop out, they miss out on the lifelong physical, mental, and social benefits sport provides.
Through their participation in Canadian Women & Sport’s Gender Equity Playbook program, funded by WAGE, Baseball Nova Scotia is working to change that by creating supportive opportunities for girls to participate in baseball and stay engaged as they grow.
Listen and learn about women in the economy in only 3 minutes
You may have heard the term “women in the economy” quite a bit lately. But what does it actually mean?
In short, “women in the economy” refers to how women participate in and contribute to economic activities like jobs, business, and finances. It highlights how we need equal opportunities, fair pay, and support for women to thrive economically, just like men, to build a fair and strong Canada.
So, what can you do about it?
- A great start is supporting women-led and owned businesses.
- Also, think about how unpaid work can be shared more equally at home.
- If you have a business, make sure that you’re doing what you can to make your policies for hiring, pay, leave, and promotion equitable.
Did you know
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Only 17 percent of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women. Low-growth sectors: Women are more likely to own businesses in young, low-growth and underfinanced sectors, such as retail, trade, and other service sectors. Underfinanced sectors: Those factors make it harder for women to access financing.
Learn more about the inequality women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada face and what the Government of Canada is doing to achieve equal and full participation in the economy for everyone.
In case you missed it
- Minister Valdez announces $15.5 million in federal funding to strengthen national women’s organizations across Canada
- Federal government announces new support for women entrepreneurs with disabilities
- Minister Valdez highlights the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
Have ideas for a topic in a future newsletter?
Share your thoughts with WAGE at FEGC.Intervenants-Stakeholders.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca.