Historically, women have faced marginalization across various domains, including the labor market, where they encounter unequal pay, limited career advancement, and fewer leadership opportunities. These disparities persist today, despite progress in some areas, as structural inequalities and societal expectations continue to create barriers for women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. A clear example of this inequality is the gender pay gap, which remains a significant issue in Canada. According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, data from 2022 shows that women working full-time earned $0.89 for every dollar men earned. This gap is wider among women from racialized groups, Indigenous backgrounds, and immigrant women who arrived in Canada as adults. Statistics Canada reports that these compounded identity factors significantly widen the pay gap, with Indigenous women and adult immigrant women earning up to 21% less than men in 2022, while Canadian-born women earned about 9% less than their male counterparts. These findings reveal how identity and gender-based discrimination shape employment outcomes.
Over the last 15 years, limited progress has been made in closing the gender pay gap, partially due to occupational segregation. Women are overrepresented in lower-paying fields, such as healthcare, education, and retail, while male-dominated sectors like finance, technology, and engineering generally offer higher wages. Women in these sectors often face “glass ceilings” that restrict their advancement into top-paying positions, limiting their earnings and long-term prospects. Systemic discrimination, caregiving responsibilities, and cultural expectations further impact women’s economic opportunities. Women often shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid caregiving and domestic work, which can affect their ability to take on full-time employment or higher-paid positions. As a result, many women are either forced to work part-time or take career breaks, which can limit their earning potential and progression. Cultural biases and gendered expectations also contribute, with employers sometimes holding implicit biases that hinder women’s access to promotions and pay increases.
Addressing these inequalities requires structural changes within workplaces and a commitment to intersectional gender equity. Employers and policymakers must acknowledge the compounded nature of discrimination, recognizing how race, immigration status, and Indigenous identity interact with gender in shaping labor outcomes. Measures like wage transparency, parental leave policies, and fair representation in leadership roles can help bridge the gap. Mentorship programs and support networks for marginalized women can also foster career advancement and reduce income inequality.
Government involvement is equally crucial to drive systemic change, particularly in enforcing equal pay laws, expanding affordable childcare, and implementing gender-equitable policies. Creating a supportive framework for women to balance caregiving and work can help alleviate the burdens that disproportionately affect women and limit their access to higher-paying roles. The persistence of labor market disparities underscores the need for continued advocacy and reform to build an inclusive workforce. Only through sustained efforts and intersectional approaches can we create a labor environment where all women are fairly compensated and have equal opportunities to thrive. Addressing these systemic inequalities is essential for a fairer society that values every woman’s contributions.
Sources:
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230921/dq230921b-eng.htm https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/the-gender-pay-gap/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIn%202022%2C%20the%20gender%20wage,Statistics%20Canada%2C%202024).%E2%80%9D
As a second-year international student from Mexico, majoring in planning with a minor in sociology, I’m deeply committed to addressing social issues and promoting equity and justice. My background has fueled my passion for social awareness and how different perspectives shape our understanding and our approach to social challenges. I believe that listening to diverse voices is essential and powerful, as these perspectives reveal the nuances behind systemic injustices and the pathways toward real change. For me, advocating for social change isn’t just a passion—it’s a responsibility. Sadly, it is a privilege to have a voice that isn’t silenced, when so many are denied this freedom. I’m driven by the idea that we can use our voices and actions to uplift others, pushing forward the cause of equality and standing up for those who might not have the platform or privilege to be heard.