Although women’s participation in the workforce has increased in recent decades, the wage gender gap persists and women remain strongly underrepresented in many well-paying occupations. Research published by Statistics Canada also shows that “lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are more likely to earn lower incomes, experience discrimination on the job, and encounter barriers in finding and advancing in employment, relative to their heterosexual counterparts.”

One of the most effective ways to level the playing field is mentoring. Research indicates that when implemented correctly, inclusive, gender-sensitive mentoring is one of the most effective ways to change the workplace ecosystem, increase compensation for women, and advance women’s careers. Furthermore, inclusive mentorship (and sponsorship) was one of the top recommendations of 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders surveyed by Pride at Work’s study of workplaces in Canada.

That is why Mentor Canada and Mentorat Québec have developed a new mentoring initiative to address employment barriers faced by women and gender-diverse people across Canada. This bilingual toolkit can be used by employers, professional associations, unions, and other organizations to create an inclusive mentorship program that addresses systemic barriers faced by women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across Canada, particularly in male-dominated sectors.