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Gender equity in B.C.

  • Eliminating barriers to gender equality

    Creating equal opportunity for all British Columbians regardless of their gender.

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  • Empowering all people in B.C.

    As we work to remove barriers, we can also help level the playing field with more opportunities for training, good jobs and inspiring new leaders.

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  • Ending gender based violence

    Supporting survivors in regions throughout B.C.

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What is gender equity?

Gender equity is about removing barriers that stop people from reaching their full potential. Too often, women and gender diverse people experience unfairness. This is especially true when they also struggle with injustices like poverty, racism, ableism, transphobia and/or homophobia.

When all British Columbians – regardless of their gender, race, class, sexual orientation or ability – can reach their full potential, our communities and economy are stronger, better places for everyone.

Gender Equity Office

 

What does the Gender Equity Office do?

With support from the Minister of Labour, lead work to close the gender pay gap by continuing to address systemic discrimination in the workplace and moving closer to equal pay for equal work 
through new pay transparency legislation.

With support from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, lead work to develop an action plan to end gender-based violence, including minimum standards for sexual assault response, more training for police, Crown Counsel and justices, and establishing core funding for sexual assault centres.

Support the Minister for Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and work with post-secondary education institutions, student leadership, and Indigenous partners across B.C., to 
develop and deliver on an action plan related to preventing and responding to sexualized violence at post-secondary institutions.

In coordination with the Ministry of Attorney General, takes steps to address non-consensual disclosure of intimate images.

Support the Minister of Health to address gaps in health care services experienced by women, trans, and non-binary people, in consultation with partners.

 

National Forum on the Status of Women

In 2019, B.C. served as co-chair for the National Forum on the Status of Women. After close to two decades without any significant presence at this table, B.C. is proud to once again have a seat and take a leadership role in identifying priorities to advance gender equality across Canada.

 

Parliamentary Secretary

Parliamentary Secretary Jennifer Blatherwick

 

Media Contact

Joanne Whittier
Joanne.Whittier@gov.bc.ca
250 893-5650

General Inquiries

Vancouver: 604-660-2421
Victoria: 250-387-6121
Toll Free within Canada and USA: 1-800-663-7867
Outside of Canada/USA: 1-604-660-2421
Email: General Enquiries