Launch comes as feds publish new employment equity regulations
YWCA Toronto has launched a new app that promotes gender equity in the information technology and skilled trades sectors.
In a statement, YWCA said that their Women in Trades and Technology (WiTT) app is now available for download in the iOS App Store and Google Play. Developed with funding support from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, users can utilize the app to access news, job postings, inspiring stories and event announcements.
“The WiTT app brings together graduates from YWCA Toronto's skilled trades programs, community members, employers and industry professionals to support women's entry in technology and trades,” YWCA said in their statement. “YWCA Toronto is committed to enhancing women's representation in diverse occupations and building community capacity.”
“Developing the WiTT app was a labour of love, as much as it was a commitment to community development,” said Dolores Montavez-Ruz, employment and training manager at YWCA Toronto. “We are so happy to be able to share it widely. We think WiTT will really make an impact for women in the information technology and skilled trades environments.”
“Our government knows how important it is to support more women to enter and stay in male-dominated fields like trades and technology,” said Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s associate minister of children and women's issues. “This app is just one way to further empower women in every sector of our economy, and I look forward to seeing this online community flourish.”
The launch comes as the federal government published the final Regulations Amending the Employment Equity Regulations, which requires employers to include aggregated wage gap information in their annual reporting on employment equity.
“These pay transparency measures will help Canadian workplaces become more just, inclusive, diverse, and ultimately more productive,” said federal minister of labour Filomena Tassi.
