Equity

#VitalSigns2020: Gender Equality in Canada

Community Foundations of Canada October 19, 2020

Power. Peace. Planet.

At CFC, we are focusing this year’s three-part Vital Signs report series on gender equality in Canada.

Each report corresponds to a theme from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Women and Gender Equality Canada’s Gender Results Framework: Power, Peace and Planet. Vital Signs reflects the integration of the economic, social and environmental elements that are key to sustainable development, analyzed through the lens of gender equality.

Read Power

Read Peace

Read Planet

There is work to do.

From a lack of representation in political and decision-making positions to persisting wage gaps, economic inequalities and staggering rates of gender-based violence, it’s clear that we have work to do.

To create communities of true belonging, we need to advance gender equality across the country. For a just recovery from the pandemic, it is more pressing than ever to invest in women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people.

The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated gender inequality. In 2019, Canada ranked only 11th among all countries for women’s equality and well-being.

From coast to coast to coast, the women’s movement and feminist organizations have a long and rich history of mobilization to advance gender equality in our country. As budgets get re-allocated to public health and economic programs in the wake of the pandemic, these organizations are most at risk of losing funding. There is an urgent need to fund organizations that work with the most marginalized. These organizations cannot and should not have to do this work alone. If Community Foundations of Canada is serious about creating communities where everyone belongs (and we are!), it’s time we invest more meaningfully in a just recovery and a feminist future.

What we mean by “feminist future”

A vision of a world where all women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people have equal access to justice, opportunities, resources and decision-making. One where people have body autonomy and self-determination, and can live a life free from violence. A global community that benefits when those most impacted by oppression are lifted up. A decolonized future, a future where power is shared and where identity does not dictate life outcomes. We have a vision of the future where all identities are celebrated and a source of joy and solidarity.
In the context of the pandemic, we need a clear vision of a just recovery and a path to get there, leaving no one behind.

Taking the Pulse: Why Now?

Alongside many community foundations and partners across Canada, Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is stepping up through our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality as well as collaborating with the Equality Fund—an unprecedented multi-year initiative to advance gender equality in Canada, with support from the federal government. 2019 marked the first of a 5-year collaboration with CFC and community foundations to deliver momentum for women’s movements and grant through the Communities for Gender Equality program.