November 23, 2024

SWC receives 540k in federal funds to breakdown barriers for women

In a step aimed at creating gender equity in the workplace, the federal government invested $545,464 in the Sudbury Women’s Centre to develop new programming and advance women’s economic security in the workforce.

Announced at a Nov. 22 press conference at the centre’s Douglas Street location, Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe told attendees that advancing gender quality benefits everyone in the community, because it increases economic prosperity, it leads to greater health and happiness, and it also holds fairness and justice.

“When women thrive, we know that Sudbury thrives,” she said.

Noting that women and gender diverse people continue to face pay equity challenges, Lapointe said women also face a disproportionate load of caregiving responsibilities.

It is also an opportunity to address current staffing shortages in many of these industries, said Lapointe.

The funding will go to a new 36-month program at the Sudbury Women’s Centre called Breaking Down Barriers.

Executive director at the women’s centre, Ginette Comeau-Roy, told attendees the funding would enable them to tackle the long-standing challenges faced by women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

“These industries, such as mining, construction and engineering, are amongst the most stable and well paying in our region, yet they remain largely inaccessible to women who make up just eight per cent of trades-related occupations, with even lower representation for racialized and Indigenous women,” said Comeau-Roy. “These workplaces offer incredible opportunities for growth, stability and prosperity and the opportunities for women, but the opportunities for women remain limited. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of equity, it’s an opportunity to strengthen workplaces and build a more inclusive future for all.”

Comeau-Roy said Breaking Down Barriers aims to create safe and healthy workplaces that “empower women to succeed.”

“We will work directly with organizations across Northern Ontario, including Thunder Bay, Sault, Saint Marie, Timmins, North Bay, as well as Sudbury to foster systemic change,” she said.

Participating businesses will complete an organizational needs analysis, followed by potential training in the tailored treatment modules, which will be developed by human resources experts at FCR Paradigm in order to meet legislative requirements and also best practices, said Comeau-Roy.

This training will be offered at no cost to employers to ensure accessibility, and community agencies can raise awareness of these resources, she said.

“Together, we will build a collaborative network to share knowledge, address challenges and create meaningful cultural shifts,” said Comeau-Roy.

She said this initiative is about more than just policies, “it is about people.”

For many women, she said, the workplace can either be a stepping stone to opportunity or a battleground for acceptance.

“Imagine a woman starting her first job in a male-dominated field, eager to contribute, but unsure if her voice will be heard; or, consider a woman returning to work after overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse, stepping into an industry where she hopes to rebuild her life without the right workplace policies or supportive culture. These journeys can feel isolating and overwhelming,” said Comeau-Roy.

“This project is about changing that reality, ensuring that workplaces are not just places of employment, but environments where women feel safe, valued and empowered to thrive. By educating organizations and providing practical tools, we’re helping workplaces become allies in fostering inclusivity, resilience and well being for all.”

You can find more information about the Sudbury Women’s Centre at www.sudburywc.ca

Jenny Lamothe covers vulnerable and marginalized populations for Sudbury.com

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SWC receives 540k in federal funds to breakdown barriers for women

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