A statement from Canada's federal research funding agencies on International Women's Day 2024

March 8, 2024

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are pleased to join in celebration of International Women's Day 2024!

The official United Nations theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. This theme expresses the UN goal to accelerate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by addressing poverty and by strengthening institutions and financing from a gender perspective.

At CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, we are proud to support the many talented women researchers who are advancing knowledge and innovation in Canada and throughout the world. Through the Tri-Agency Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, we are increasing women's equitable access to granting agency funding opportunities, as well as promoting an inclusive post-secondary research system and culture in Canada. These measures include the application of a Gender-Based Analysis Plus framework which ensures that EDI considerations are taken into account in research design, methods, analysis, and interpretation/dissemination of findings, as well as in the creation of research teams and the work environment.

Achieving gender equality and equitable outcomes for women and girls are attainable goals if we all stand together in support of this cause. On this International Women's Day – and every day – please join us in celebrating and supporting those outstanding women whose insights, experiences, and perspectives are enriching the quality of Canadian research.

Marie-Josée Hébert
Chair, CIHR Governing Council

Charmaine Dean
Vice-President and Chair, NSERC Council

Normand Labrie
Vice-President and Chair, SSHRC Council

Date modified:

2024-03-08