Gender equity in B.C.

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

The Gender Equity Office is part of the Ministry of Finance and supports the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity to advance these key priorities:

• Closing the gender pay gap by continuing to implement pay transparency legislation and leading public reporting.
• Working with partners to implement government’s action plan to address gender-based violence in B.C., prioritizing the needs and experiences of those directly affected.
• Collaborating with the Ministers of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the Attorney General, to expand accessible transition housing for women leaving violence and ensure the justice system supports survivors effectively.
• Supporting the Parliamentary Secretary in her role as B.C.’s representative at the Federal-Provincial-Territorial forum of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women.

The Gender Equity Office also leads cross-ministry coordination of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) to ensure GBA+ is incorporated into government policies, programs and initiatives.