For UNESCO, gender equality is a fundamental human right, a building block for social justice, and an economic necessity. As one of UNESCO’s two global priorities, gender equality is a critical factor for the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. At the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, promoting gender equity and justice is a cross-cutting priority of our 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.
The CCUNESCO works with a number of partners on initiatives to promote women and girls in STEM. We are also producing tools to help our networks and partners advance gender equality in their respective communities.
L’Oréal Canada
Since 2003 the CCUNESCO has partnered with the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program to honour and award fellowships to Canadian women researchers at key moments in their careers.
Since 2017 the UNESCO Schools Network in Canada has partnered with the L’Oréal Foundation Canada to improve the attractiveness of careers in the science and inspire scientific vocation in young women.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science, February 11
Each year the CCUNESCO promotes the participation of women and girls in science and raises awareness of the barriers they face. We partner with a number of organizations to celebrate this important international day, including Ingenium, the Engendering Success in STEM consortium, the National Research Council, L’Oréal Foundation Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Association francophone pour le savoir – Acfas.
Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities
Through its Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, the CCUNESCO works with over 100 cities to promote social inclusion and promote diversity. By supporting local governments and their partners, the Coalition promotes the development of promising practices and mobilizes the wealth of knowledge on gender inclusiveness that already exists in Canada.