The Jr. Economic Club of Canada

Published purpose

This 36-month project will support and strengthen the Canadian economy through diverse feminine BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour) voices, mentorships, and business skills designed by women for women. The project aims to increase young women’s economic prosperity, representation in the labour force and entry into leadership roles and representation on corporate boards. To address this, a multi-pronged approach will be utilized focusing on research, skill development, action, and community engagement. A nationwide needs assessment will be undertaken with focus groups comprised of young BIPOC women to identify the barriers to entry and challenges experienced within corporate Canada that prevent the attainment of leadership positions. This project will be undertaken in partnership with corporate Canada to connect identified champions with younger women, and to implement new policy measures within various private sector companies based on the research findings. Champions will commit to implementing new policy measures within their organizations based on the feedback and needs of young Canadian women and partake in ongoing assessment of outcomes to measure systemic change. Each champion will commit to participating in the intergenerational roundtables with young women and advancing at least 2 out of 10 policy recommendations within their respective organizations. Champions will be assessed and monitored to track progress and systemic change.