Over the past few years, there has been a lot of buzz about feminist philanthropy or philanthropy that empowers women and girls. But what does a gender lens look like when applied to philanthropy? Moderated by Sharon Avery, President & CEO of Toronto Foundation, Philanthropy’s Work: Empowering Women and Girls was a plenary session focused on how philanthropists and advocates can come together to improve the lives of women and girls in Canada, and around the world. Sharon was joined by three women leaders who are at the table for conversations on gender equality in Canada and on the global stage: Katja Iversen, CEO at Women Deliver; Roberta Jamieson, CEO at Indspire; and Paulette Senior, CEO at Canadian Women’s Foundation.
Sharon opened the session by stating that we’re experiencing a moment in time for women. And yet, while Canada acknowledges gender equality is an issue and has a feminist development plan internationally, we don’t activate it domestically. Katja added that we’re not only at a pivotal moment of time but that the pendulum can swing either way. She reminded the room that funders will help to decide whether it swings one way or another.
Paulette shared the story of how 27 years ago, the Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) was founded because a group of women realized that only two percent of all giving by corporations and foundations in Canada was being directed to services for women and girls. Since then, the CWF has raised more than $80M and funded 1,500+ organizations in Canada. Yet, they are still only able to fund 10% of all grant proposals they receive. The reality is that the CWF is just one foundation, and more Canadian funders need to invest in women and girls.
Gender equality is not a women’s issue that is only relevant to half the population. Gender equality is the right thing to do. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a societal and economic issue that affects everyone – male or female. The message was brought home by Katja who said that funders need to use their power and their voice, and invest in women and girls now rather than continue to debate the issue. The advancement of gender equality will benefit all Canadians.
Are funders doing enough? Not even close. But until they are, strong women leaders like Sharon, Katja, Roberta, and Paulette will continue to hold them to account. Thank you to Hilary Pearson and PFC for taking the opportunity to highlight gender equality, one of the most important issues currently facing our society and the non-profit sector.
To watch the full plenary session
Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC) is a member association of Canadian grantmakers, including private and public foundations, charities, and corporations. PFC hosts an annual conference for members and other grantmakers in Canada and across the world to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and discuss important issues.
The 2018 PFC conference was held in Toronto on October 16-18, and focused on the themes of connection, creativity, and social change. For more information, visit the PFC website or PFC conference website.
Thank you to PFC for providing Hilborn Charity eNews with a media pass to attend the 2018 PFC conference.
