Ending gender-based violence

Economic empowerment and security

  • 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.

Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP)

  • Low-income women can get training to equip them with the skills, knowledge and experience to find employment, an apprenticeship or start a small business and increase their financial security. The Call for Applications is now open for organizations to apply for WESP funding.

What we do

  • 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

Significant dates

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

Contact us

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

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