NEWMARKET – The Ontario government is expanding the Investing in Women’s Futures program to 10 additional locations across the province, including the Women’s Centre of York Region in Newmarket. This will help more women experiencing social and economic barriers connect to supports and develop the skills they need to gain financial security and independence. This expansion is part of a $6.9 million investment over three years to enhance the program and create more economic opportunities for women.
“Through this new Investing in Women’s Futures program location in Newmarket, more survivors of gender-based violence will have access to the employment readiness and wraparound supports they need to increase their participation in the workforce and provide for themselves and their children,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “Our government is empowering women to achieve the success they deserve because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds.”
The Investing in Women’s Futures program provides a range of services and employment supports to help women overcome barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment. The addition of 10 new sites brings the total number of service delivery locations to 33, providing greater access for more women across Ontario.
In Newmarket, the Investing in Women’s Futures program is being delivered by the Women’s Centre of York Region through a provincial investment of $325,000 over three years. The organization offers personal growth and skills development services as well as ongoing coaching to survivors of gender-based violence to prepare them for meaningful employment. These services are also being delivered virtually to improve access to employment supports for women with disabilities.
“We are very excited to share our newest program, The First Step. This program was created to address the intersectional economic and personal barriers that women who have experienced gender-based violence are facing,” said Liora Sobel, Executive Director of Women’s Centre of York Region. “With the support of the province of Ontario, we will now be able to offer 250 women each year the services they need to leave abusive situations and develop economic opportunities for them to thrive”.
This $6.9 million investment builds on the $18 million funding from 2022-2025 to support the Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs.
Quick Facts
- As a result of COVID-19, women and gender-diverse Ontarians have faced additional challenges, such as increased economic insecurity, greater burden of caregiving responsibilities and a rise in the incidence of domestic violence. Young women, mothers of young children, racialized women, single mothers, Indigenous women, immigrant women, women with disabilities and women without university degrees have been most affected.
- In June 2021, the government launched Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy to provide advice on addressing the unique and disproportionate economic barriers women face. Building on the work of the task force, the government is taking action to address the challenges women face in the workforce.
- In 2022-23, the Investing in Women’s Futures program helped nearly 1,300 women across Ontario secure employment, start their own businesses or pursue further training and/or education.
Quotes
“Our government’s investment of $325,000 to the Women’s Centre of York Region in Newmarket will have a significant and positive impact supporting women in our community who are facing social and economic barriers. This investment will provide the necessary tools, skills and support to empower and help women break through barriers and to reach their full potential.”
– Dawn Gallagher Murphy
MPP for Newmarket-Aurora
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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