March 8 is International Women’s Day, an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the social and economic progress of women’s rights in Canada.
At the same time, it is important to also recognize the areas in which gender inequalities still exist. The gender wage gap, for instance, illustrates how women continue to encounter more barriers compared with men.
Average hourly gender wage gap among employees has narrowed since the late 1990s, but not disappeared
In 2025, women aged 15 years and older earned, on average, 88 cents for every dollar earned by men, up from 82 cents in 1997.
A similar pattern is observed among workers aged 25 to 54 years—often considered prime earning years—with women earning 89 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2025, up from 81 cents in 1997.
Wage gaps are wider for racialized and Indigenous women
Not all women have the same earnings experiences.
While the wage gap between non-Indigenous, non-racialized women and men aged 15 years and older in Canada was about 12 cents in 2025—with women earning 88 cents per dollar earned by men—racialized women faced an even greater disparity. They earned 22 cents less per hour than non-Indigenous, non-racialized men, amounting to 78 cents per dollar earned by these men.
Indigenous women earned 21 cents less per hour than non-Indigenous, non-racialized men in 2025, amounting to 79 cents for each dollar earned by these men.
Ratio of the average hourly wages of different groups of women relative to those of non-Indigenous and non-racialized men, by age group, 2025
Why Join the Women in Biz Network?
Since 2010, we have helped thousands of women navigate the pivotal moments in their careers and businesses. Joining WIBN means stepping into a supportive ecosystem designed to grow as a ChangeMaker Leader.
Member Benefits Include:
World-Class Mentorship: Gain direct access to our roster of experienced mentors who provide the guidance, accountability, and industry insights needed to accelerate your growth.
Skill-Based Learning: Participate in targeted workshops and training sessions focused on digital literacy, leadership, and sustainable business practices.
Powerful Collective Collaboration: Connect with a diverse, global community of women and allies. Our network is built on genuine relationships, not just transactional exchanges.
Visibility & Advocacy: Amplify your voice and your brand through our member spotlights, speaking opportunities, and advocacy initiatives that champion women in leadership.
Holistic Support: We recognize that professional success is tied to personal well-being. Our programming supports the whole leader, fostering resilience and work-life harmony.
About Women in Biz Network Founder Leigh Mitchell
Leigh Mitchell is a leadership brand strategist, founder of Women in Biz Network and host of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast. Based in Toronto, she helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs align their brand, business growth, and well-being with meaningful change. Leigh has guided thousands of professional women and collaborated with brands including Microsoft Canada, TELUS, and TD Canada Trust. Her expertise has been featured in CBC, The Globe and Mail, and The Wall Street Journal. She studied Marketing Leadership at Sprott School of Business (Ottawa University) and teaches at York University, YEDI, and the University of Guelph-Humber. A vocal advocate for mental health and collaborative leadership, Leigh champions mentorship as a pathway to resilience and positive change.
Leigh is also a Forbes Impact Top 10 recipient and a Women on Microsoft award winner. Leigh is also recognized as an EDI subject matter expert by Statistics Canada. When she isn’t coaching leaders or teaching Business and Digital Marketing, she is mentoring the next generation of innovators at B-Local Ontario, Rise, YSpace and The Prosperity Project.
Connect with Leigh on LinkedIn or by email at leigh@womeninbiznetwork.com.
Connect with Women in Our Community on March 10 in Toronto
Own Your Imprint – Lead with Your Authentic Self
Join me in Liberty Village this Tuesday for a morning of connection with fellow entrepreneurs. If you’re trying to manage your business and lead with confidence, then this event is for you.
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: 149 East Liberty Street, Unit 290 (Achev Office), M6K 0H7
Cost: $15+HST ($16.95)/session – paid parking nearby (try parking in Metro parking lot)
Seats are limited to 12 participants to keep the conversations rich and connections strong. Secure your spot today—come ready to share, learn, and leave sharper than when you arrived.
Register and e-transfer the total cost to:anne@youraspirecoach.comno later than March 9, 2026
