Today Communitech, joined by Canada’s Minister of Labour and Minister for Status of Women Dr. Kellie Leitch, announced the Communitech Women in Technology project.
The 36-month, $300,000 project, funded by the federal government, will focus on strengthening female talent and retention in the tech sector.
Communitech will work with four Waterloo Region-based tech companies on the project: Teledyne DALSA, Rebellion Media, Magnet Forensics and Desire2Learn.
The project will encourage these companies to review HR policies, enhance leadership skills and build mentor networks to ensure that there are no barriers to entry for women in tech.
“Everyone has the right to work in an environment that is safe and productive,” Minister Leitch said, “one that is healthy and helps grow our Canadian economy. And one where your skills are the reason why you achieve things and move up the food chain. I want to be part of a country where opportunities are based on skills and competency and merit.”
The companies will work with Communitech to come up with best practices and new initiatives for other tech companies to strengthen women’s recruitment and retention.
Karen Gallant, Senior Director of Talent at Communitech, said the Women in Technology project will impact the community through networking and training opportunities. Communitech will also present a large-scale public event to raise the profile of women in leadership and management roles and inspire women in tech to reach their potential.
“I’m happy to be here on behalf of the government of Canada providing an opportunity for greater economic opportunity for women in a sector that has frequently been underrepresented by women in the workplace,” Minister Leitch said. “The Communitech project will facilitate changes in company and community approaches to women in technology.”
