February 2, 2026
Dear Policymaker/Employer/Leader,
We are the Women RISE Leaders at Bangladeshi Canadian Community Services (BCS)—a youth led group of racialized and immigrant women building leadership, advocacy skills, and economic participation across Toronto. Through workshops, mentoring, and community mobilization, we represent a growing network of young women taking action on the issues that directly shape our lives. The Women RISE project is supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Caption: Women RISE Feminist Leaders amplifying the voices of racialized and immigrant women through Focus Group Discussions.
In 2025, we partnered with BCS to design and conduct a Community-Based Research project to understand the economic realities of racialized and immigrant women. A total of 255 racialized women and girls participated in surveys, 20 participated in focus groups, and others took part in art-based activities across the Greater Toronto Area. These findings reflect lived knowledge— not only statistics—and point to an urgent need for policy and practice interventions.
1. Ensure Equitable Access to Employment and Economic Opportunities for Racialized and Immigrant Women
Research shows that while skills and education are strong, opportunities remain limited. Women reported being asked, “Do you have Canadian experience?” and “I know four languages… they don’t give credit for bilingual skills.” Findings indicate that key barriers include: 57% reporting lack of Canadian work experience, 66% limited access to networks or mentors, 30% difficulties with credential recognition, and 62% limited awareness of available job opportunities.
Caption: Women leaders presenting community-based research findings and mobilizing community support for women’s social and economic prosperity in Toronto.
Our Recommendations:
I. Implement inclusive hiring practices to remove “Canadian experience” barriers. II. Standardize recognition of international credentials.
III. Create mentorship placements for racialized women.
IV. Launch targeted grants, microloans, and training programs
V. Expand access to bridging, STEM, trades, digital literacy, and financial literacy programs
2. End Workplace Discrimination and Advance Economic Prosperity for Racialized Women
Persistent discrimination was reported tied to names, gender, accents, religion, and newcomer identity. Participants shared: “Underhanded racism… because you’re not Canadian” and “I contemplated changing my name on my résumé.” Findings show 92.5% experienced racial discrimination, 41% reported gender-based discrimination, 42% stated gender affected economic independence, and 50% do not earn a living wage. Microaggressions, token hiring, and bias against ethnic dress or headscarves are common.
Caption: Mentors from diverse sectors coming together to support Women to RISE.
Our Recommendations:
I. Implement anti-discrimination and anti-racism policies in all workplaces
II. Ensure 10%-15% representation of racialized women in leadership roles
III. Conduct pay equity audits and enforce transparency
IV. Introduce blind hiring and mandatory diversity training
V. Collect race- and gender disaggregated employment data annually to guide policy.
Moving Forward
Your leadership in labour markets and communities is critical. We urge you to:
Immediate Action: What steps is your office taking to improve economic opportunities for racialized and immigrant women?
Collaboration & Accountability: How will you work with us to translate these recommendations into measurable outcomes?
We are ready to collaborate to advance the economic prosperity of racialized women and girls in Toronto and across Canada.
Sincerely,
Women RISE Leaders
Bangladeshi Canadian Community Services (BCS)
womenrisebcs@gmail.com | info@bangladeshi.ca
womenrise.ca | bangladeshi.ca
2899 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M4C1M3 | Tel. 416-699-4484
Women RISE Toronto Campaign 