Status of Women Office
The Status of Women Office has existed within the Government of Saskatchewan since 1964 and is dedicated to raising awareness and addressing issues impacting all women and girls across the province.
The mandate of the Status of Women Office spans issues related to economic participation and prosperity, entrepreneurship, safety, health, and eliminating barriers in education and leadership.
The Status of Women Office achieves its mandate by:
- Working across government to create partnerships with ministries, Crown corporations and agencies;
- Creating connections with community partners and service providers; and
- Conducting research and identifying priority areas of concern for women across Saskatchewan.
The Status of Women Office represents Saskatchewan at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Forum for the Status of Women, advocating for women in our province at the national level.
The Status of Women Office assists in research, policy analysis, strategic planning, and project management, and is the only office within the Government of Saskatchewan dedicated to women’s equality.
1. Information you might be looking for
Women's Economic Participation
Learn more about women in the economy, women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), women's education and women's entrepreneurship.
Women in Saskatchewan
International Women's Day falls on March 8 as a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Each year the ministry profiles women who are leading change in the province and breaking down barriers for others. This year two remarkable individuals have shared stories of the work they do and the impact it has:
Victoria Gagné is responsible for the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program at the Clarence Campeau Development Fund. In addition to her work at CCDF, Victoria studies in the Master of Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Communities program at the University of Saskatchewan and UiT the Arctic University of Norway.
Annie Quangtakoune is a Regina associate in McKercher’s Startup and Entrepreneur practice group who believes in providing legal services that are accessible, scalable, and market-focused. Her practice focuses on venture financing, tech licensing, and corporate matters for private technology companies. She serves as the Legal in-Residence for Cultivator (a technology incubator in Regina) and has acted for a diverse group of clients ranging from start-ups and high growth technology companies to listed public companies, as well as various venture funds.
The third week of May is proclaimed Women Entrepreneur Week in Saskatchewan. This week recognizes female business owners for their contributions to the Saskatchewan economy and labour markets. The Office celebrates this week with shining a spotlight of a diverse group of women entrepreneurs.
2. Stakeholders
The Status of Women Office collaborates with stakeholders, and community and government partners to identify and address gaps and barriers that impact women’s engagement, safety and success in Saskatchewan.
Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS)
In 2019, the Status of Women Office and ministries of Justice and Attorney General and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety provided funding to pilot the Victims Advocate Case Review (VACR). The VACR uses a collaborative examination approach that permits external experts to review sexual assault cases to guarantee the inquiry is comprehensively and appropriately classified.
Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS)
In 2020-21, the Status of Women Office provided funding to PATHS for an online delivery training program, Make It Our Business, which provides information and education to help employers and employees respond to domestic violence in the workplace.
Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
The Status of Women Office provided funding to the Aboriginal Friendship Centre's Honouring Her Spark project. This is a three-year community-led initiative, where Indigenous women work with business, industry, educators and community organizations to improve the economic landscape and increase economic opportunities for Indigenous women in Saskatchewan.
Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women Forum
The Status of Women Office represents Saskatchewan at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women Forum to ensure the interests of women in Saskatchewan are represented at the national level.
Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK)
WESK is a membership-based organization that contributes to inclusive economic growth in Saskatchewan through support to women business owners. In 2019, the Status of Women Office invested in the creation of the WESK Advisory Committee to identify how to support the growth and scaling up of women-led businesses in Saskatchewan.
3. Government Participation
Face the Issue Awareness Campaign
Learn more about what Saskatchewan is doing to support prevention and intervention of interpersonal violence and abuse.
Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The province's response to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Services
Saskatchewan Health Authority's services to victims of sexual assault.
211 Saskatchewan
Interpersonal violence supports are available through the 211 provincial call line and web portal.
4. Latest News
Saskatchewan Marks International Women's Day
Saskatchewan Marks National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Saskatchewan Supports National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
Government Invests $150,000 to Support Housing for Human Trafficking Victims
Looking for more? View more news related to the Status of Women Office.
5. Ministers and Managers
Hon. Laura Ross, Minister
Minister's Office
| Phone | 306-787-0354 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 306-798-0264 |
| minister.PCS@gov.sk.ca | |
| Mailing Address | Room 315, 2405 Legislative Drive, Regina, SK, S4S 0B3 |
Bernadet Hamill, Executive Director
Status of Women Office
| Phone | 306-787-7636 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 306-798-0033 |
| bernadet.hamill@gov.sk.ca | |
| Mailing Address | 1st Floor, 3211 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 5W6 |
Renee Bilodeau, Director
Status of Women Office
| Phone | 306-787-7423 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 306-798-0033 |
| renee.bilodeau2@gov.sk.ca | |
| Mailing Address | 1st Floor, 3211 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 5W6 |