The Ontario government has announced a substantial investment aimed at boosting women’s economic empowerment across the province. As part of this initiative, the government is committing up to $26.7 million over three years to fund 25 local programs under the Women’s Economic Security Program, which is designed to equip women with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to enter the workforce, start businesses, and achieve financial independence.
One of the key beneficiaries of this investment is the Oasis Centre des Femmes, which will receive up to $771,650 to support its Entrepreneurship Launchpad program in Toronto and Brampton. This program provides critical training in entrepreneurship for women, particularly those facing barriers to economic success.
During a recent event in Brampton, Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” Williams stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to local, community-based training programs that help women reach their full potential.
The Women’s Economic Security Program offers training across four key streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To ensure accessibility, the program also provides additional supports, such as meals, transportation, and child care, which are vital in helping women participate in these opportunities.
In addition to the $15 million provincial investment, Ontario is also contributing up to $11.7 million through a bilateral agreement with the federal government under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s dedication to addressing and preventing gender-based violence while promoting women’s economic empowerment