MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN TO BUILD IN-DEMAND SKILLS

The Ontario government is investing $6.9 million over the next three years to expand and enhance the Investing in Women’s Futures program which provides resources and training opportunities to help women develop in-demand skills for jobs.

“Many women face additional challenges participating in the workforce, such as child care and caregiving responsibilities,” said Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity. “We are expanding the program to ensure that women have the supports and in-demand skills they need to pursue good-paying jobs or pursue further education that can help lead to financial independence.”

The program provides employment training opportunities and supports for women facing social and economic barriers, including abuse and isolation, so they can overcome barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment. 

“The Investing in Women’s Futures program helps women develop the skills they need to build economic independence and financial stability so they can invest in themselves and their families,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance.

“By providing an additional $6.9 million over three years, our government is helping to deliver the critical wraparound supports, skills training and services vulnerable women need to live free from violence and build a better life.”

A few 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.

This investment builds on the $18 million in funding the government is already investing from 2022-2025 in 35 community-based organizations and educational institutions. 

In 2021-22, the Investing in Women’s Futures program helped more than 1300 women across the province secure employment, start their own businesses or pursue further training and/or education.