Although women’s participation in the workforce has increased in recent decades, the wage gender gap persists and women remain strongly underrepresented in many well-paying occupations. Research published by Statistics Canada also shows that “lesbian, gay and bisexual people are more likely to earn lower incomes, experience discrimination on the job, and encounter barriers in finding and advancing in employment, relative to their heterosexual counterparts.”
One of the most effective ways to level the playing field is mentoring. Research indicates that when implemented correctly, inclusive, gender-sensitive mentoring is one of the most effective ways to change the workplace ecosystem, increase compensation for women, and advance women’s careers. Furthermore, inclusive mentorship (and sponsorship) was one of the top recommendations of 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders surveyed by Pride at Work’s study of workplaces in Canada.
That is why Mentor Canada and Mentorat Québec have developed a new mentoring initiative to address employment barriers faced by women and gender-diverse people across Canada.
The inclusive mentorship toolkit that empowers women is now live and fully accessible for free. Click below to fill out the form and gain immediate access.
Entitled “Mentor Me Equal: Inclusive mentorship for systemic change,” the initiative produced a bilingual toolkit that employers, professional associations, unions, and other organizations can use to create an inclusive mentorship program that addresses systemic barriers faced by women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across Canada, particularly in male-dominated sectors.
Connect With Us: Learn More and Stay Informed
To reach us, please contact Heather Ancliffe, Workplace Mentoring Lead at Mentor Canada, or Mentorat Québec.
Get in touch with Mentorat Québec
Project Milestones
- January 2025: Project announcement: Press release from Mentor Canada and Mentorat Québec.
- February - July 2025: Development of the inclusive mentorship toolkit for women
- August 25 - September 28: Pilot period for the toolkit for women (French)
- October 22 - November 14: Pilot period for the toolkit for women (English)
- January 28 2026: Public launch of the inclusive mentorship toolkit for women (French and English) at the Forum du Mentorat in Montréal, Canada
- February - July 2026: Development of an inclusive mentorship toolkit for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community