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Research

WTC’s research is focused on issues that impact all self-identified women and girls’ ability to participate in civic life, especially including those who continue to be invisible in any level of government, and what cities can do to address those barriers.

 

If you would like more information about any of our research projects, or would like to learn more about a potential research partnership please get in touch.

Research Projects

Systemic Barriers to Women's Participation in Local Government

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A three year research action project in partnership with Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW), funded by the Women and Gender Equality Canada. The project aimed to work with municipalities and citizens to identify and institute on-going and permanent solutions to address barriers to the participation of diverse women in local government as elected decision-makers, as staff, and as committee members. Although the research project has concluded, WTC is continuing to take action on the barriers identified through this project.

Publications and Reports

Final Report: Action on Systemic Barriers to Women's Participation in Local Government (2020)

The final report offers an overview of this three-year project, concentrating on four areas in which women participate in local civic life: as candidates and elected decision-makers; as participants in citizen-led municipal advisory bodies; as municipal employees; and as participants in city-led public engagement efforts. See the report



Voter Engagement, Electoral Systems, and Diverse Women’s Political Representation: A Brief Review (2019)

Using the 2018 Vancouver, BC elections as a case study, this brief review looks at representation on city council and who votes in municipal elections. See the review



Pathways to a Women-friendly Surrey: Outcome Report (2018)

This outcome report presents the expertise of women participating in a forum held in Surrey, BC. The forum set out to find out why and how women become involved in the city, what helps and supports a woman candidate and what barriers or challenges she faces. See the outcome report



Hot Pink Pathways to a Women-Friendly Vancouver: Outcome Report (2018)

This outcome report presents the expertise of women participating in a forum held in Vancouver, BC. The forum set out to find out why and how women become involved in the city, what helps and supports a woman candidate and what barriers or challenges she faces. See the outcome report



Barriers Facing Women in Politics Briefing Note (2018)

Submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women. See the briefing note



Systemic Barriers to Women's Participation in Local Government Project's Literature Review (2017)

Literature review of major research pieces and providing an overview of identified barriers to women's involvement in local government. See the literature review



Advancing Equity and Inclusion - A Guide for Municipalities

 

WTC was involved as a partner in the research and creation of the Advancing Equity and Inclusion Guide, in partnership with the City for All Women Initiative.

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See the guide

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If you'd like to support our work and help us transform cities into spaces that work for all people, please consider making a donation to WTC.