Partners & Funders
The Empower Newcomer Women program is led by the World Skills Employment Center and Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. It aims to support newcomer women and is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
Goals and Collaboration Approach
The Empower Newcomer Women program builds on the “Career Pathways for Visible Minority Newcomer Women” project, which ran from July 2019 to March 2023. The program helps racialized, visible minority newcomer women integrate into the Canadian job market and thrive in their careers.
Activities
The program tackles various challenges by offering loans, sector-specific advice, job search training, and career mentoring. It also provides extra support for training, recertification, career placements, and financial counselling, ensuring newcomers get the help they need.
- Employability skills assessment
- Workshops led by experts
- One-on-one job counselling
- Resume coaching
- Job matching sessions
- Mentorship
- Post-employment support
These activities help women gain skills, confidence, and job opportunities.
Link to the Ottawa Immigration Strategy
The Empower Newcomer Women program supports the economic integration of racialized, visible minority newcomer women into the Canadian job market. This aligns with the second priority of the Ottawa Immigration Strategy, which focuses on helping immigrants find employment in a changing labour market.
Timelines and Milestones
The current Empower Newcomer Women program started on April 1, 2023, and will run until March 2025 with two years of funding. The program builds on past research and best practices to offer effective support.
Impact Areas and Client Outcomes
Participants highlight the positive impact of the Empower Newcomer Women program:
- Women shared that the program helped them overcome initial fears and build confidence in networking and job interviews.
- The workshops offered valuable learning experiences and helped participants form friendships, creating a supportive community.
- Clients from the July cohort felt empowered and motivated, and their confidence in their abilities was boosted.
- The program improved participants’ English language skills, networking abilities, and understanding of Canadian workplace culture, helping them communicate effectively and build professional connections.
Conclusion
The Empower Newcomer Women program is a successful and inclusive initiative. It supports racialized, visible minority newcomer women by giving them the tools and confidence to succeed in the Canadian workforce. As the program grows, it will continue to make a positive impact, promoting a diverse and inclusive labour market in Ottawa and beyond.
