Women make up the majority of social impact workers — 80 percent of non-profit workers alone. The sector stands to lose, or stunt the career trajectories, of the majority of its workforce if it doesn’t advocate for more accessible childcare and change its work culture to be more flexible.
Canada’s social impact sector could play a significant role in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Many of its priorities are similar to the federal government’s own plans for a pandemic recovery, but Ottawa has barely mentioned the sector.
Experts say COVID-19 has set back progress on Canadian gender equity, from workforce participation to gendered violence and more. Meanwhile, the organizations meant to support women and change sexist systems are struggling themselves. A $100 million project-based fund is helpful, but is it enough?
Sector leaders don’t expect corporate donations or philanthropies can cover the financial burden faced by community services organizations across Canada. Meanwhile, the federal government is due to table a new budget this spring, one that is expected to include relief packages for industries hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canadian government is promising a smooth rollout of approved COVID-19 vaccines to everyone who wants one. But even the best logistical systems will be irrelevant if Indigenous peoples, who are considered especially vulnerable to COVID-19, are reluctant to be vaccinated due to a history of medical racism.