CONVERGENCE MAR-APR2017

Special Feature
CANADA
We all know the country's Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau, who often calls himself a feminist, has
said improving relationships with indigenous
communities and working toward gender equality
are key priorities for his government. So, what
has been done? During the 2015 election, 88
women were voted into the House of Commons
and with 338 seats. That means 26 percent of the
House is female.
The country which ranks fifth also has a Status for
Women Canada federal government organisation
that promotes equality for women and their full
participation in the economic, social and
democratic life of Canada. The organisation works
to advance equality for women by focusing its
efforts in three priority areas: increasing women's
economic security and prosperity; encouraging
women's leadership and democratic participation;
and ending violence against women and girls.
According to government statistics, educational
attainment among women has increased
significantly. The proportion of women aged 25
to 64 with a university certificate or degree grew
at a faster pace than that of men, more than
doubling between 1991 and 2015 from 15% to
35%. The proportion of men with a university
certificate or degree also grew during that time
period, but to a slightly lesser degree than women
(19% in 1991 and 30% in 2015).
In Canada, women also account for the majority
of recent post secondary graduates in all provinces
and territories. Since the early 1990's, the majority
(56%) of students enrolled in Canada's public
colleges and universities in 2013-14 were women.
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau
Performers at a Canadian powwow which
showcases aboriginal history and culture
The proportion of women was even higher among those who were enrolled
as part-time students (59%). Similarly, women accounted for 58% of the
total number of graduates in 2013.
In the workforce, Employment, Workforce Development, and Labour
Minister, Patty Hajdu said, "When women have equal opportunities to
succeed, our country and our economy are stronger for it. With women
now representing nearly 60% of all University graduates and having the
second highest employment rate among G7 countries, we know that our
progress has been real, but the systemic barriers that remain are real, too.
We must continue to work together to break down these barriers and give
women equal opportunities to thrive in the workforce."
All in, the country's stance on women is summed up by Status of Women
Canada Minister, Maryam Monsef who said, "Our government is determined
to remain a leader on gender equality, preventing gender-based violence
and developing innovative solutions for women’s economic empowerment,
while advocating strongly for women’s rights at home and globally."
If you're travelling to Canada, here are places we recommend: a good hike
at the Banff National Park or a ski trip to the Canadian Rockies, the infamous
Niagara Falls and perhaps lunch at CN Tower's revolving restaurant!
In Canada, women account for the
majority of recent post secondary
graduates in all provinces and territories
*The countries are ranked according to the Best Countries 2017 report, a joint
rankings and analysis project of US News & World Report, Y&R's BAV Consulting
and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The report is based on
9,000 respondents' opinions and a total of 80 countries were ranked.*
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