Backgrounder – Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund
November 1, 2024
The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment for women and girls in Canada and around the world. The Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund (WELOF) is a key part of this commitment.
WELOF is a $100-million fund that will support projects that:
- Increase women’s participation in the workforce
- Support women-owned businesses
- Promote women’s leadership in the economy
- Address systemic barriers to women’s economic success
WELOF is open to applications from organizations across Canada, including:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous organizations
- Educational institutions
- Businesses
Projects funded through WELOF will be evaluated based on their potential to:
- Achieve meaningful outcomes for women and girls
- Be scalable and sustainable
- Leverage partnerships and collaboration
- Innovate and address systemic barriers
- Contribute to economic growth
The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.
Quotes:
“The Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund is a key part of our government’s commitment to advancing gender equality in Canada. By supporting projects that increase women’s participation in the workforce, support women-owned businesses, and promote women’s leadership in the economy, we are creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Canadians.”
- The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
“WELOF is a great opportunity for organizations to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls in Canada. I encourage organizations to apply for funding to support projects that will help to break down barriers and create a more equitable and prosperous society.”
- The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
Quick Facts:
- WELOF is a $100-million fund that will support projects that increase women’s economic empowerment.
- The fund is open to applications from organizations across Canada.
- The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.
- Projects will be evaluated based on their potential to achieve meaningful outcomes for women and girls, be scalable and sustainable, leverage partnerships and collaboration, innovate and address systemic barriers, and contribute to economic growth.
Background:
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a key driver of economic growth and prosperity. However, women and girls in Canada still face significant barriers to their full economic participation.
The gender wage gap persists, with women earning on average only 89% of what men earn for the same work. Women are also underrepresented in leadership positions in the economy, and are more likely to work in low-paid, precarious jobs.
These barriers not only have a negative impact on women and girls, but also on the Canadian economy as a whole. By investing in women’s economic empowerment, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Canadians.
WELOF is a key part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality in Canada. By supporting projects that increase women’s participation in the workforce, support women-owned businesses, and promote women’s leadership in the economy, we are creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Canadians.
For more information:
- Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund
- Women and Gender Equality Canada
- Status of Women Canada
Media Relations:
Media Relations Women and Gender Equality Canada 819-420-6538 [email protected]
Backgrounder – Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund
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