$5.5 million investment will support local programs helping women join the workforce and gain financial independence
December 04, 2023 BURLINGTON – The Ontario government is launching a call for applications and investing $5.5 million, including an additional $496,000 this year, in the Women’s Economic Security Program to expand and increase training opportunities for low-income women to equip them with the skills, knowledge and experience to find a job or start a business and increase their financial security.
“The Women’s Economic Security Program is empowering women with the skills they need to join the workforce and help build Ontario together,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “We know that supporting more women in the workforce benefits Ontario’s economy, especially in in-demand sectors such as the skilled trades. These careers are exciting, provide good pay and benefits, and will empower women and girls across the province to succeed.”
The Women’s Economic Security Program offers training in four streams: the skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology and general employment. To help remove barriers to participating, the training programs also include additional supports such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and support in finding child care.
Through the program, women, including those who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence, can also access wraparound supports, including referrals to mental health and well-being supports, counselling, housing, and legal support.
Women interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/women. The call for applications for eligible service providers looking to deliver the program is also now open. The deadline to apply is January 26, 2024, and information about the program and the application process is available at Ontario.ca/getfunding.
Investing in the Women’s Economic Security Program is one more way Ontario is removing barriers so more women can excel as entrepreneurs, in leadership roles, and in jobs where they are underrepresented like the skilled trades. In addition to $5 million invested in this program, Ontario is providing another $496,000 for projects this fiscal year. The additional funding is provided through the bilateral agreement on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in Ontario with the federal government.
