This initiative will aim to address some of the current inequities in the employment of women on PEI.

In DAME Phase I, Women's Network PEI's conducted two pieces of original research. The first was a series of focus groups held with targeted, marginalized women to learn of their experiences in using HRDC services. The second research was a Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) of HRDC services and service delivery. Even though this is national policy, it directly impacts on PEI women.

DAME, Phase I research showed that there is an imbalance in the employment situation in Prince Edward Island with respect to women. For example, the unemployment rate for women on PEI is 14.7%; while women of aboriginal ancestry have the highest unemployment rate for women on PEI at 22%. (Source: Comparisons of Unemployment Rates Across Employment Equity Groups, by Gender, Prince Edward Island - Access granted by HRDC)

Through our research, both women and community organizations have identified many barriers which impede the employment situation for women in PEI. These barriers include culture, language, physical disability, mental disability, age, geographic location, family violence, lack of education, poverty, sexual orientation, aboriginal ancestry and lack of adequate housing. In order to empower women, these barriers need to be addressed.

Dame Phase II is seen as being able to move some of the research recommendations forward by:

• continuing policy dialogue with HRDC,
• introducing women in their communities to community economic development through a "Power Group" approach, and
• working with employers to better understand women's needs in the workplace through Gender-Based Analysis workshops.

Through DAME Phase II, three of the objectives of the Women's Program will be addressed directly:

• to promote policies and programs within key institutions that take account of gender implications, the diversity of women's perspectives and enable women to participate in decision-making processes,
• to facilitate the involvement of women's organizations in the public policy process, and
• improving women's economic status.

There will be several beneficiaries of this project. By bringing our DAME, Phase I research to policy makers and government officials, we hope to show them the impact their policies have on women who use HRDC's services. Another beneficiary will be women on PEI who are unemployed or underemployed. They will have the opportunity to learn and utilize community economic development tools through a "Power Group" format. And, employers of women will have the opportunity to attend Gender -Based Analysis workshops to understand the needs of women in the workforce. This may lead to changes for women in their workplaces.

This initiative will address women's economic inequality by taking a three pronged-approach to the issue. It will address several recommendation made as a result of the research completed during DAME, Phase I. These include addressing policy, creating community economic development (CED) learning opportunities and by offering employers gender-based analysis workshops.

1. Purpose

Goal:

To improve the level of women's economic equality on Prince Edward Island.

Objectives: