Gender bias is undermining our social fabric and devalues all of us. It is not just a human rights issue; it is a tremendous waste of the world’s human potential. By denying women equal rights, we deny half the population a chance to live life at its fullest. Political, economic and social equality for women will benefit all the world’s citizens. Together we can eradicate prejudice and work for equal rights and respect for all. Source: Global Goals.org

Photo: B. Moorhead Squamish Access Society

Canada’s Response:

In accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977 relating to equality and prohibition against discriminatory practices, men and women have equal rights of access to and control of resources within Canada.

For Canada, the 2030 Agenda goal 5 is: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Source: Towards Canada’s 2030 Agenda. There are a number of actions, measures and many indicators that include: ensuring women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. According to the 2021 Sustainable Development Report, Canada has significant challenges ahead to move the bar further towards its targets.

How are actions within our biosphere region contributing toward these goals?

The current BC Government has established the Gender Equity Office to ensure the government’s mandate of removing barriers that stop people from reaching their full potential is achieved.

Leadership

In 2022, women represent 40% of the elected representatives in our region in local government and 50% of the elected Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Council identify as female. What is holding more women back from joining local politics?

Support for Women

The Howe Sound Women’s Centre in Squamish was started in 1981 as a grassroots organization dedicated to the prevention of violence against women and support for women, children and youth impacted by violence or abuse. A newly launched pilot project called “Supported Pathways” is now available to local sexual assault survivors who disclose at any location in the area of Squamish, including Squamish General Hospital. Today, Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society serves the entire Sea to Sky Corridor.

Below are the UN SDG 5 targets that are relevant to our region. Click here to learn more about the targets for UN SDG 5

What more can we be doing or are we on track? We want to hear from you.

In developing a management plan for the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, we are assessing where we are in our collective vision of Life on Land in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region for 2030, and setting priority goals and objectives. Read more here about the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan.

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