By the numbers: International Women’s Day 2021
By the numbers: International Women’s Day 2021 (PDF, 6.15 MB)
Description: By the numbers: International Women’s Day 2021
Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, women in Canada have been working hard at home, in the workforce and in their communities. International Women's Day is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the contributions of women to our country.
Women in Canada as leaders in public institutions
In 2020, 29% of seats in Parliament and 49% of ministerial positions in the federal government were held by women.
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 10-10-0137-01 Representation of women and men elected to national Parliament and of ministers appointed to federal Cabinet.
Women are homeschooling through COVID-19
In June 2020, approximately 64% of women reported that they were the parent mostly responsible for homeschooling or helping their children with homework.
Source: Leclerc, Karine. 2020. "Caring for their children: Impacts of COVID-19 on parents." StatCan COVID-19: Data to Insights for a Better Canada. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 45-28-0001.
Women made up a high proportion of front-line workers
Teachers: In the 2018/2019 school year, women represented 75% of educators in public elementary and secondary schools.
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 37-10-0153-03 Proportion of educators in public elementary and secondary schools by sex.
Health care providers: Immigrant women represented 31% of nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates but represented only 13% of all other occupations.
Source: Turcotte, Martin and Savage, Katherine. 2020. "The contribution of immigrants and population groups designated as visible minorities to nurse aide, orderly and patient service associate occupations." StatCan COVID-19: Data to Insights for a Better Canada. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 45-28-0001.
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