Women’s Issues

Promoting women’s economic independence and fighting against gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Ontario funded emergency shelters for women and children fleeing violence are available to offer support during the covid 19 outbreak.

Ending gender-based violence

Economic empowerment and security

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Increasing women’s economic security is a key factor in improving the well-being of women and their families. The province funds projects that provide skills, knowledge and experience to women to increase their economic security.

What we do

  • develop strategic policy and programs that work to advance women’s equality and economic independence and prevent violence
  • fund programs and services to increase women’s economic security and help women and their children live free from violence
  • help women and children access programs and services through more than 200 community social services organizations across Ontario
  • help women and children find emergency shelters, crisis and support services, counselling services, transitional and housing support services, province-wide crisis help-lines, Indigenous-specific programs and supports to reduce violence against Indigenous women and children

Significant dates

We recognize significant dates to promote awareness throughout the year including:

  • Human Trafficking Awareness Day on February 22
  • International Women’s Day on March 8
  • Sexual Assault Prevention Month in May
  • Sexual Harassment Awareness Week from June 1 to June 7
  • Gender Equality Week during the fourth week in September
  • Women’s History Month in October
  • National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on October 4
  • Person’s Day on October 18
  • Woman Abuse Prevention Month in November
  • Transgender day of remembrance for Ontario on November 20
  • United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25
  • National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6

Contact us

Women's Issues
College Park, 6th floor, Suite 601-D,
777 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2J4

 Ministry news

Updated: August 20, 2021