The federal government has announced funding for two projects to advance gender equity in the trades and technology.
The Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology is receiving $354,128 in funding for a three-year project. The idea behind the funding is to challenge gender bias and stereotypes that are impacting women in the science, engineering, trades and technology sectors, a government news release says. A strategy will be developed to address these stereotypes with feedback from industry partners.
Women Building Futures is also receiving $384,000 for a three-year project to support the hiring and retention of indigenous women in the construction, maintenance and oil and gas sectors.
The project will bring together indigenous women, employers and stakeholders to identify barriers and best practices in order to advance participation in these industries, the release continues.
The organization will develop a series of workshops on workplace practices and dynamics as well as make recommendations to employers and industry stakeholders on how to support the success of indigenous women employees.
“Indigenous women have a lot to offer the construction, maintenance and oil and gas industries, but they face unique challenges in trying to access those careers,” Kathy Kimpton, president and CEO Women Building Futures, said in a statement. “This project will identify the systemic barriers faced by indigenous women and work with employers to find solutions.”
