WE’VE SEEN PROGRESS FOR WOMEN AND GENDER-DIVERSE WORKERS, BUT THERE’S STILL MORE TO DO
We’ve accomplished so much since 1999 thanks to you. And there’s still more to do.
When Dress for Success Vancouver was founded as the 27th Dress for Success network member, and the first outside the United States, our vision was simple: help women make a strong first impression through workplace attire.
Now in 2026, we offer a full ecosystem of programs that give women and gender-diverse people the skills, community, and confidence to take their next step, and the support to keep moving forward long after they walk through our doors.
WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE?
Since we set out to champion and empower women in the workplace we’ve seen meaningful progress. From 1999 to 2024, women’s participation in the labour market rose to 61.2 per cent. Women are also earning more: average hourly wages earned by women grew by 21.3 per cent from 2006 to 2024, outpacing the average hourly wages earned by men, which grew by only 15.9 per cent.
As of August 2025, 9.9 million women+ were employed in Canada, an increase of 0.9 per cent from the previous year. That growth is something we’re proud to celebrate. Every year, more women and gender-diverse people are entering the workforce, advocating for themselves and moving forward on their personal and professional journeys.
WHAT CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE?
Despite this success, there are still gaps to fill.
In 2026, women in British Columbia earned just $0.85 annually for every dollar earned by men. That’s only four cents more than in 1998, when BC women earned $0.81 for every dollar earned by men – and this progress leaves us far from gender wage equality. At this pace it will take more than a century to reach true gender equality.
Recent newcomer women face an even wider gap, especially are at a disadvantage, earning on average $0.69 annually for every dollar earned by men. With 53 per cent of our clients having arrived in the past five years, closing this gap is central to the work we do and the programs and services we offer.
Statistics Canada reports that women were less likely than men to have training paid for by their employer in the past 12 months, despite women reporting a stronger willingness to work hard: 76.4 per cent of women compared to 71.7 per cent of men. Even when women received training, they were less likely than men to say it improved their job security or future employment prospects.
HOW DO WE MAKE A CHANGE FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE?
Women and gender-diverse professionals need access to the skills, confidence and community that help them succeed. Closing the remaining gaps starts with giving people the tools and support to move forward.
The Dress for Success Vancouver team, volunteers, donors, and community partners work together to provide resources. When one person moves forward, the progress ripples into the lives of those around them.
With your support, we can help more women and gender-diverse people reach their potential and keep working toward a workplace culture that allows all professionals, regardless of gender, an equal opportunity to thrive.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Make a change today with a one-time donation to Dress for Success Vancouver, or become a monthly Success Donor to be a part of the change every single day of the year.