Women’s social and economic opportunity

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

Ending gender-based violence

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.

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

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

Office of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity
College Park, 6^th floor, Suite 601D, 777 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2J4

Updated: March 03, 2023

Published: April 19, 2018