Monday November 9, 2020
Today the Community Foundation announced it will provide grants to local organizations working to support women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse individuals working towards a future grounded in equity, inclusion and justice. The Fund for Gender Equality is part of a partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, funded through the Government of Canada. The Community Foundation is one of twenty community foundations across Canada that are taking part.
From a lack of representation in political and decision-making positions, to increasing wage gaps and economic inequalities, and alarming rates of gender-based violence, it’s clear that there is much work to be done advancing gender equality in Peterborough.
To ensure a just recovery from the pandemic and a more inclusive future, it’s more pressing than ever to invest in women, girls, and gender-diverse people. The Foundation is pleased to be taking part in this granting initiative, while also looking at systems-level change through our investment and organizational policies.
Women have been on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. They have also been sidelined and hit hardest by the pandemic. Our government is determined to protect the hard-won gains of the feminist movement and build back better. We are applying an intersectional feminist response to our pandemic response, supporting the most vulnerable and investing in women entrepreneurs.
This builds on our historic investments to support those on the frontlines of the fight for greater equality, including a six-fold increase in funds for women’s and equality-seeking organizations since 2015, and dedicated funds to address and prevent gender-based violence. We appreciate our partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, which is focused on strengthening the women’s movement across the country.
Until November 30th, the Community Foundation will accept funding applications from organizations at the heart of the women’s movement, with a focus on organizations that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to empowering women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people through their mission, activities, or partnerships. Charities and community organizations are invited to contact Jennifer DeBues at the Foundation to learn more about eligibility and application details.
To create communities of true belonging, we need to advance gender equality. Investing in women is not just the right thing to do, it’s the strategic choice. We’re grateful for the financial support from the Government of Canada and the leadership of local community foundations like the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough who are taking part in these efforts.
The Fund for Gender Equality is supported by a collaboration between Community Foundations of Canada and the Equality Fund, with support from the Government of Canada.
