The federal government is providing nearly $1 million in funding to challenge gender stereotypes and promote diversity in male-dominated industries.
“With the evolving employment landscape, it is unacceptable that there continues to be male-dominated industries,” states a press release from Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced that an allocation of $924,370 over two and a half years has been awarded to the non-profit organization Build a Dream for their initiative, Supporting Women’s Access to Employment, Retention, Advancement in Male Dominated Fields.
This funding is set to address systemic barriers women face in job retention and representation in sectors such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), construction, and manufacturing.
“When we increase involvement and open the doors so that everyone is able to participate, we are challenging gender stereotypes,” said Minister Ien. “This investment in resources isn’t just about equality — it’s about leveraging untapped potential to amplify productivity, drive inclusive growth, and forge a path towards a more equitable future for all Canadians.”
Build a Dream plans to utilize these funds to create career development opportunities by hosting virtual conferences, career discovery exhibitions, workshops, and hands-on learning programs. These initiatives will connect industry collaborators with students and job seekers, fostering a more inclusive work environment.
Nour Hachem, President and Founder of Build a Dream, shared the organization’s commitment.
“Through this funding, we will conduct industry assessments which will lay the groundwork for tailored strategies to drive positive change,” she said. “We will establish a robust mentorship program that will provide vital support networks and foster a sense of belonging for women in the trades.”
The government’s investment in Build a Dream is part of a broader effort under the Women’s Program to collaborate with women’s organizations, advancing gender equality and women’s economic prosperity in Canada. Since November 2015, Women and Gender Equality Canada has invested $29.8 million in 64 projects aimed at increasing women’s participation in non-traditional professions.
Additionally, recent budgets have reflected this commitment. The 2023 budget allocated $160 million over three years to support organizations serving women, while the 2022 budget included $84.2 million over four years to help underrepresented apprentices begin and succeed in skilled trade careers.
Despite these efforts, women still face significant disparities in the workforce. In 2021, while 31% of STEM postsecondary qualification holders aged 25-65 were women, only 21% worked in STEM occupations. Moreover, women held just 24% of jobs in the energy sector, earning 85 cents for every dollar earned by men.
This new funding aims to not only address these disparities but also to ensure a more diverse and inclusive Canadian workforce.