The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women’s employment and women’s business across the country – including here in Niagara. Many policy experts and researchers have focused on this problem and it is encouraging that businesses, governments and communities are thinking about a feminist economic recovery – that will benefit everyone.

In June 2021, WIN Council hosted a hackathon to focus on solutions and get women back to work, school, and leadership here in Niagara. We started with a look at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce She-Covery strategy which critical findings include recommendations for leadership and accountability, safe and affordable child care, workforce development, flexible work and entrepreneurship.

This brief lays out a path to Ontario’s “she-covery” in Niagara by examining data on the gendered labour market impacts of the pandemic and offering policy solutions to confront both immediate and longer-term challenges. Throughout this, an intersectional lens is essential to ensure no women are left behind.

Read the full Hackathon Report