Six women standing in a row

Women's Equity Strategy

On January 17, 2018, Council unanimously adopted Vancouver: A City for All Women, Women’s Equity Strategy 2018-2028 (5.4 MB).

On March 10, 2021, Council adopted Phase 2 of the Women’s Equity Strategy (1.5 MB).

The strategy reflects our vision to make Vancouver a place where all women have full access to the resources provided in the city and have opportunities to fully participate in the political, economic, cultural, and social life of Vancouver.

The strategy addresses the issues faced by women in five priority areas:

  • Applying an intersectional lens to strengthen City processes and inform decision-making, further to the City's Equity Framework (553 KB)
  • Addressing safety, including violence against women
  • Accessible, quality childcare
  • Safe and affordable housing
  • Women’s leadership and representation within our workforce

What's happeningUN Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Scoping Study

We are one of six Canadian cities that is part of the UN Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces, a global initiative led by UN Women. The first step in the initiative is to understand where sexualized violence is more likely to occur in Vancouver, what issues need to be prioritized and how the City can address sexualized violence through a scoping study.

Learn more about the initiative

Updates

March 10, 2021 - Council approved Phase 2 (2020 – 2023) of the Women’s Equity Strategy. Review the full progress report to Council (263 KB), including a final update on Phase 1.

November 25 to December 10 - We took part in a global initiative to galvanize action to address gender-based violence, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

June 3 to 6, 2019 - Vancouver hosted Women Deliver 2019, the world's biggest conference on gender equality. During Women Deliver , we offered free programming at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch and other locations in the city, including an information booth on the Women’s Equity Strategy.

May 29, 2019 - Interim report to Council on the status of Phase 1 actions (240 KB)

January 17, 2018 - Council approved Women’s Equity Strategy

January 16, 2018 - Report to Council (5.6 MB)

International Women's Day

On March 8, we celebrate those who seek to improve the lives of women and girls, Two Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender diverse peoples.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

From November 25 to December 10, we're taking part in a global initiative to get action to address gender-based violence.