North America Women and Urban SDGs: An Urban Paradigm Shift Towards Gender Equality

Urban Thinkers Campus (The City We Need NOW!)

Meseret Haileyesus
CEO, Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment, Canada

Meseret Haileyesus is a multi-award-winning economic justice and health equity advocate, thought leader, change-maker, and serial social entrepreneur.


She is the CEO of the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment, the only Canadian organization addressing economic injustice with a keen interest in addressing systemic barriers and other challenges that prevent women and girls from fully realizing their economic rights.


Meseret works to influence public policy and legislation decisions that support women to make a successful transition to economic independence in Canada. She seeks to fill the gaps for the development of new approaches to address economic injustice and abuse by reviewing existing systems, policies, legislation and procedures in Canada. She is involved with various strategies to inform public policy.


She also serves on the Board of Directors at Centertown Health Center, End FGM Canada Network, and Advisor for various Anti-Racism initavies to contribute to a system that meets the needs of mental health challenges faced by Black youth, and their families in Canada.


Meseret works have been featured in media across Canada including CBC, CTV, Yahoo Finance, Canadian Center for Policy Alternative, Globes and Mail, Healthy Debate, Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, and National Observer.


Over her career, Meseret has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and fellowships:


  • Named one of the 100 Most Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2019
  • Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada 2020
  • Top 10 Loreal Paris National Women of Worth in 2020
  • Under Forty under 40 award recipient in 2021, Ottawa Business Journal
  • Top 3 recipient of the National RPA Award from Honorable Nina Tangri, Member of Parliament from Minister of Economic
  • Development, Job Creation, and Trade/ Economic Development in 2021
  • Recipient of Women of Inspiration 2021 (Social Impact  and Authentic leader Award)
  • Nominee top Canadian Founders To Watch in 2022, Global Health Excellence Award, FACE Magazine, and Canadian Choice
  • Award  etc..)


She is a proud mother of one beautiful daughter who inspires and motivates her every day to continue her work towards a more just, fair, and inclusive society that protects and advances the well-being of women and girls.


CCFWE #HelpUsRise2021 Campaign Animation Video

Share by: