Women in Canada and around the world face challenges in their pursuit of equality, working to narrow the gender gap across various facets of urban life. Essential to sustainable development is guaranteeing equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of age, gender, or circumstances. Conversely, women actively contribute to spearheading innovative and transformative solutions in numerous domains of sustainable urban development and environmental sustainability.

In recent years, the significance of equity has grown, underscoring the understanding that a fair and sustainable world necessitates more than mere equality. Equity entails ensuring universal access to resources and opportunities for thriving, irrespective of gender and one's background. This encompasses addressing historical and systemic obstacles that have disproportionately affected women and girls globally. 

The inclusion of women and girls stands as a pivotal element in achieving equity. Consequently, cities assume a crucial role in advancing gender equality and equity, empowering women and girls to actively participate in all facets of society. This commitment is imperative for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations, notably SDG 5 for gender equality and SDG 11 for sustainable cities and communities.

The World Urban Pavilion in Canada is supporting these efforts by fostering city-to-city partnerships with communities, in particular women’s organizations, to take part in the 100+ pilot project initiative to exchange innovative and transformative approach to women’s issues. The program aims to unite all Canadian women’s organizations and initiatives under a shared national agenda for SDG achievement. 

For more information on Canada: Frontrunner of Urban SDGs and the 100+: Canada’s Profile on Urban SDGs, please visit the World Urban Pavilion website HERE.

To submit your ‘Made in Canada’ Urban Innovations and Transformations pilot project, please complete the Initiative Criteria Form” HERE.