Welcome to the Resource Library for Inclusive Municipal Governance!

We have compiled and curated a collection of articles, reports, guidance, templates and concrete examples from local governments across Canada and the world. These resources are meant to support and inspire municipal stakeholders, including women and gender-diverse individuals of all identities, as well as male allies as they drive change for more equitable, representative local governments.

The structure and themes of the library are based on years of FCM gender equality and social inclusion programming, as well as numerous consultations with FCM members and municipal experts.

If you belong to one of these groups, this Resource Library is for you:

  • Elected officials
  • Local government staff
  • Members of municipal committees and other governance bodies
  • Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)
  • Members of community organizations
  • Municipal election candidates and aspiring leaders
  • Anyone interested in inclusive municipal governance

Budgeting and financing for equity

Achieving equity goals requires resources. This section provides information and guidance on how budgets can be developed, and financing secured, to achieve equity goals.

Title Type Audience Description

Gender budgeting: practical implementation (available in French and English)

Handbook

Local government staff

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This handbook provides guidance for the use and practice of gender budgeting. It provides insights on the prerequisites to do so, lays out three stages for gender budgeting, offers different options of tools/frameworks as well as practical examples and a glossary of terms. Notes on gender budgeting at regional/local levels is presented on page 47.

This was prepared for the Council of Europe in 2009.

Gender Budgets: Why they Matter in Canada (available in English only)

Report

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

This technical paper makes the case for the importance of gender budget initiatives in Canada and provides a simple overview of how these are done.

This was prepared for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives in 2006.

OECD Gender Budgeting Framework – Highlights (available in English only)

Framework

Local government staff

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

 

This short, simple document maps out the core elements of an effective approach to gender budgeting, and includes a list of helpful tools for implementation.

It was developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Gender-Responsive Public Budgeting Course (available in French and English)

Training

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

 

This online, self-directed course explores the basics for introducing a gender perspective into the budget cycle, including the ability to: identify gaps and inequalities between women and men in the provision of services as well as in payroll management; understand the causes of these discrepancies; and consider corrective measures, or affirmative measures, to promote equality between women and men.

It was developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2022.

Towards Gender Responsive Budgeting: Rising to the Challenge of Achieving Gender Equality  (available in French and English)

Report

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This report provides 27 recommendations on the use of gender-based budgeting in and by the Government of Canada, several of which could be adapted to the municipal context.

It was developed by the Standing Committee on the Status of Women and presented to Parliament in 2009.

Understanding Gender Sensitive Budgeting (available in English only)

Toolkit

Local government staff

 

This simple slide deck provides an accessible explanation of gender sensitive budgeting, lays out five steps of gender budgeting, and provides helpful questions to guide the preparation of a budget.

It was developed by the International Organization for Migration.

Engaging youth and other underrepresented groups

Engaging underrepresented groups and community partners in local government decisions is essential to ensure their needs are met in services. This section provides resources to help guide ways in which local governments can do this in a meaningful, effective way and ensure the lived experiences of groups can adequately inform decision-making.

Title Type Audience Description

3 Rs of an Effective Indigenous Pre- Engagement Strategy (available in English only)

Article

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This article provides insights on promising practices for engagement, centered around the Rs of engagement: research, respect, and Recognition and regard for the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

It was written by Indigenous Corporate Training

Eight Successful Youth Engagement Approaches (available in English only)

Toolkit

 

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This toolkit provides information and additional resources (tools, frameworks, etc.) on eight approaches to engage youth successfully.

It was developed by Youth.gov.

Guide des bonnes pratiques – Rejoindre les jeunes: défis et solutions (available in French only)

Guidance

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This guide is intended to support local governments in the delivery of projects with and for youth. Issues, strategies and tools are classified into three categories: inform, mobilize and educate. For each category, examples of best practices are provided to inspire.

It was developed by Citoyenneté jeunesse in 2018.

LIVRE BLANC: Sur la participation civique et citoyenne des femmes immigrantes francophones de l'Ontario (WHITE PAPER: On the Civic Participation of Francophone Immigrant Women in Ontario) (available in French only)

Report

All

This document presents an overview of francophone immigrant women's civic engagement in Ontario: their achievements, the challenges they encounter and their ambitions. It offers six possible solutions for enhancing and encouraging the engagement of francophone immigrant women in Ontario.

It was developed by Mouvement ontarien des femmes immigrantes francophones (MOFIF) in 2019.

Meeting in the Middle: Protocols and Practices for Meaningful Engagement with Indigenous Partners and Communities (available in English only)

Protocol

 

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This document outline protocols and safe practices that Shelter, Support and Housing Administration staff of the City of Toronto are expected to follow when engaging with Indigenous partners and communities. It includes a list of key partners to contact and recommended practices for meaningful engagement; and is presented here as an example of a municipal policy document that guides engagement.

It was developed by the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration of the City of Toronto in 2019.

The Municipal Youth Engagement Handbook (available in French and English)

Guide

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This guide is organized into three different aspects of youth engagement that can be tailored to the local context, available resources, and objectives. The handbook offers municipal elected officials and administrators a range of approaches from which to choose, depending on resources, staff commitment, and desired outcomes.

It was developed by FCM.

Planning an effective consultation. A guide for including the full diversity of women (available in French and English)

Guide

Elected officials

 

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This guide makes the case for including women of all identities in consultations and provides 8 tips and guidance for doing so effectively.

This was developed by the City for All Women Initiative and the City of Ottawa in 2006.

Power and Pride: Supporting women, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals to stand for rural municipal government (available in English only)

Report

All

This report is the result of a place-based research in Rossland, BC, conducted to shed light on the barriers that exist for women, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQ+ communities for running for public office in rural municipal elections

It was conducted for the city of Rossland in 2022.

Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) and other equity lenses

Using and implementing a gender-based analysis (GBA) or other equity and inclusion lenses is essential to ensure needs of all segments of the population are considered, and decisions made are reflective of these needs and realities. Resources in this section provide information, guidance and examples of how these analyses and lenses can be and are used.

Title Type Audience Description

L’analyse différenciée selon les sexes dans les pratiques gouvernementales et dans celles des instances locales et régionales (available in French only)

Guide

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This guide presents the benefits of using GBA, how to integrate GBA into the project cycle, the process of implementing GBA and some supporting examples. Additional resources can be found on the UMQ website.

It was developed by the Secrétariat à la condition féminine of the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine du Québec in 2007.

Culturally Relevant Gender Based Analysis (CRGBA) (available in English only)

Framework

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

Culturally Relevant Gender Based Analysis (CRGBA) is a framework that builds on the standard GBA model to better incorporate Indigenous knowledge, and account for the cultural and historical lived realities of Indigenous women.

It was created by the Native Women’s Association of Canada in June 2020.

Equity and Inclusion Lens Handbook (available in French and English)

Guide

 

This guide offers an equity and inclusion worksheet with overarching guiding questions, as well as more in-depth questions and promising practices by work area (for ex: communications; monitoring and evaluation; planning: services, projects, events; policy development and more). It is accompanied by Snapshots about specific groups of people who risk exclusion.

It was developed by the City of Ottawa in partnership with the City for All Women Initiative and was last updated in 2018. It is currently under review.

Equity Lens: Moving from Commitment to Action (available in English only)

Framework

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This framework seeks to support alignment between the organization’s equity statement and its actions and practices to ensure they support equity and inclusion. While it is not specific to the municipal sector, it provides helpful questions, and an appendix with terminology.

It was created by AMAPCEO.

Equity Lens Toolkit (available in English only)

Toolkit

All

This toolkit provides guidance on how to identify and eliminate barriers, and create new ways of working. While it is developed for a legal association, the content and the practical exercises it includes are relevant and helpful across sectors. It also provides clear guidance on terminology.

This was created by the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

Gender-Based Analysis + : What is it and Why? (available in English only)

Video

All

This short video presents and demystifies the GBA+ approach, in a concise, accessible and practical way, contextualized for the municipal sector.

It was developed by the City of Edmonton and published in 2018.

An inclusive perspective - Bringing GBA+ to Jordanian municipalities (available in French and English)

Case study

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This case study illustrates how the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and its local partners in Jordan engaged the community and worked with officials to develop more inclusive practices, including gender-responsive budgeting. It highlights the contributions of Canadian municipalities, and their expertise leveraged by the project.

It was developed by FCM’s Jordan Municipal Support Project in 2022.

Introduction to GBA Plus Course (available in French and English)

Course

All

This is a standard, introductory course on the GBA Plus framework adopted by the government of Canada for its staff and partners. It provides definitions on the key concepts related to GBA Plus and guidance on how to recognize the ways in which various identity factors can influence the experience that people have with federal government initiatives.

It was created by the Government of Canada and last updated in 2022.  

Métis-Specific Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) Tool (available in English only)

Toolkit

All

This framework presents Métis-specific approaches to GBA+ and to intersectionality, and answers key questions such as “How do we conduct research and evidence-gathering, within the GBA+ process, when there is an absence of Métis-specific disaggregated data?” and “Why do we take into account colonization within the GBA+ process?”

It was developed by Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak in 2019.

Gender equality, equity and intersectionality

When discussing issues of gender equality, equity, social inclusion, intersectionality, it can be valuable to ensure a common understanding of concepts and terminologies. This section provides resources that provide context and definitions on these issues and concepts, often as they relate to representation.

Title Type Audience Description

Les enjeux féministes, une priorité à mettre à l’agenda! (Feminist issues, a priority to put on the agenda!) (available in French only)

Report

All

This tool and analysis investigates the status of women's rights in Canada, where we are in terms of gender equality and what remains to be done. Issues examined include housing, gender-based violence, childcare, accessibility, and more.

It was written by the Groupe des 13, the Canadian concertation table of national women's groups and organizations,  as a call to action ahead of the 2019 Canadian federal elections.

Federal gender equality laws in Canada (available in French and English)

Guide

All

This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks guiding gender equality in Canada, including summary of all Federal gender equality laws in Canada, as well as the international agreements under which it is bound, and links to all documents referenced.

It was created by the Government of Canada, and last modified in 2022.

Gender and sexual diversity glossary (available in French and English)

Guide

All

This resource provides definitions of nearly 200 concepts on gender and sexual diversity, with both French and English equivalent. It is accompanied by a rich bibliography for additional reading.

It was posted by the Translation Bureau of the Government of Canada in 2019.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics

Toolkit

All

This social inclusion portal provides key statistics for diverse population groups and links to valuable resources related to gender equality, violence against gender, gender-based analysis, the impact of Covid-19 and more.

It was developed by Statistics Canada and last modified in 2022.

Gender Equality - Women's rights in review 25 years after Beijing (available in English only)

Report

All

This report marks the 25-year anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, providing an assessment of progress made across 6 thematic areas that align with the Sustainable Development Goals and highlighting the changes needed to accelerate progress.

It was developed by UN Women and published in 2020.

Gender Equality – Glossary of Terms and Concepts (available in English only)

Guide

All

This guide provides a glossary of concepts and terms related to gender equality, a summary of development theories and approaches related to gender equality, as well as an overview of the United Nations/UNICEF gender monitoring structures and of the laws, conventions and related terms important to gender equality.

It was developed by the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia and published in 2017.

Intersectionality: What is is and Why it Matters (available in English only)

Guide

All

This resource provides a simple and accessible overview of intersectionality, complete with links to additional essential resources like a video of Kimberly Crenshaw, who coined the term.

It was developed by the University of British Columbia and published in 2021.

Learning Network. Issue 10: Gender Equality (available in English only)

Guide

All

This resource provides clarity on important concepts of gender equality and equity, highlights gender gaps in Canada using an intersectional lens, and provides practical, role-specific guidance on actions to foster gender equality.

It was developed by the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children.

Gender equity, diversity and inclusion strategies

Local governments across Canada have started developing and implementing gender equity, diversity and inclusion strategies. This section highlights existing strategies and additional resources to inspire, inform and guide local governments in their efforts to develop their own strategies.

Title Type Audience Description

Calgary, AB - Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (available in English only)

Strategy

All

This strategy identifies four areas of focus and role-specific strategic actions to support the creation of “an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization, where all genders can fully participate.” Gender equity is a primary focus of the strategy.

It was approved by Council in July 2019.

Edmonton, AB - Art of Inclusion: Our diversity and Inclusion Framework (available in English only)

Framework

All

This framework sets out objectives and actions, under four pillars that “support employees to feel safe and supported to achieve their aspirations and deliver excellent service.” A gender-based analysis is the primary approach for implementation.

It was developed in 2019.

Fédération Québécoise des municipalités – Politique d'égalité et de parité: entre les femmes et les hommes (Policy for equality and parity between women and men) (available in French only)

Policy

Local government elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This policy outlines the Fédération Québécoise des municipalités’ engagement towards achieving equality and parity.

The policy is effective since 2019.

Halifax, NS – Diversity and Inclusion Framework (available in English only)

Framework

All

This framework outlines five goals that, through their achievement, can lead to the creation of “an inclusive organization as part of a community that values and reflects the diverse people we serve.” An accompanying Women and Gender Equity Strategy is currently in development.

Montréal, QC - Solidarity, Equity and Inclusion Plan: So No One Is Left Behind (plan available in French only)

Plan

All

This action plan is grounded in five major areas of action to support the achievement of the city’s strategic vision and “increase the coherence and impact of the actions of all departments and boroughs towards a more a more resilient, green and inclusive city.” A gender-based analysis is the primary approach for implementation and women are included as a target population group.

Ottawa, ON - Women and Gender Equity Strategy (available in English and French).

Strategy

All

This strategy identifies five strategic priorities to support the creation of a “women-and gender-inclusive, diverse, and safe city for residents from all gender groups where every person has equitable access to services and equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life.”

It was approved by Council in 2021.

Saguenay, QC - Politique d’égalité, d’équité et d’inclusion (Equality, equity and inclusion policy) (available in French only)

Policy

All

This policy identifies key orientations, commitments and indicators for the promotion of “a culture of equality between women and men in all its services, within organizations and among the organizations and among the population,” and includes an objective around reaching gender parity in decision-making bodies.

It was adopted by Council in 2022.

Toronto, ON – Report for Action: Creating a Gender Equity Strategy and Gender Equality Office for Toronto (available in English only)

Strategy

All

This report provides recommended actions (incl. the development of a Gender Equity Strategy) and resource allocation in response to a city Council decision to “develop a framework for a Gender Equity Strategy and Gender Equality Office for the City of Toronto.”

It was delivered in 2019.

Vancouver, BC - Vancouver: A City for all Women, Women’s Equity Strategy 2018-2028 (available in English only)

Strategy

All

This strategy makes the case for change, identifies priorities and actions and attributes responsibilities to “to make Vancouver a place where all women have full access to the resources provided in the city and have opportunities to fully participate in the political, economic, cultural, and social life of Vancouver.”

It was adopted by Council in 2018.

Gender responsive and inclusive municipalities

Local governments can proactively take action to create an environment in which women and gender-diverse folks feel invited and supported in taking up elected and non-elected leadership roles. This section provides resources and examples of such measures that can be taken to foster a gender responsive and inclusive environment.

Title Type Audience Description

Advancing Equity and Inclusion – A Guide for Municipalities (available in English and French)

Guide

All

This guide provides key knowledge & considerations, as well as practical resources (templates, checklists and frameworks) to help local governments – big, medium and small – advance equity and inclusion.

It was developed by City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) in Ottawa in 2015, in collaboration with municipalities and several community organizations, including FCM.

Best practice guide for gender equity in local government (available in English only)

Guide

Local government elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This guide provides a list of actions, supported by resources for both elected officials and local governments staff, to promote gender equity within local governments.

It was created by the State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Australia) in 2018.

Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, Canadian Co

Network

Local government elected officials

Local government staff

The Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities is a network brings together municipalities that want to improve their policies against racism, discrimination, exclusion and intolerance. Their website provides resources (toolkits, reports), both sector-specific and identity group-specific that can help municipalities in their journey.

This network is led by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

Equity and Inclusion Lens Handbook (available in English and French)

Guide

Local government elected officials

Local government staff

This handbook is an interactive tool that helps municipal stakeholders learn about equity and inclusion and apply it to their work. It includes worksheets, checklists, examples of promising practices, etc.

It was developed by City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) in Ottawa and updated in 2018.

Lack of Council diversity puts municipalities at Risk (available in English only)

Article

Local government elected officials

Local government staff

This article presents an analysis of the representativeness of Mississauga’s elected body at the time and provides insights on what the Council did to ensure marginalized voices are included.

It was written for Policy Options in 2018.

LGBTQ2+ Inclusiveness - Toolkit for Inclusive Municipalities in Canada and Beyond (available in English and French)

Toolkit

Local government elected officials

Local government staff

This toolkit includes templates, resources, guidance as well as practical examples of promising experiences for the inclusion of LGBTQ2+ communities implemented in municipalities across Canada.

It was created by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO in 2019.

Women in municipal politics: Inclusive and gender-sensitive initiatives (available in French and English)

Resource compilation

Local government elected officials

Local government staff

This compilation of existing strategies, available resources and research findings highlights various gender-responsive and inclusive approaches being used, or developed, by municipalities across Canada.

Research was conducted by Seasonova, and additional analysis and knowledge translation was conducted by Ali McLean in 2022.

Hate, harassment, and gender-based violence

Women, particularly those from underrepresented groups, disproportionately suffer from hate, harassment, and gender-based violence in local politics, and it has been identified as a deterrent to participate. Online gender-based violence is particularly virulent for women and gender-diverse people. This section provides resources to help stakeholders mitigate this violence and create a safer environment for women’s participation in local politics.

Title Type Audience Description

Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights’ study of online hate (available in English only)

Report

All

This brief provides an assessment of the impact of online hate, as well as recommendations for legal mechanisms to address the various forms of online hate.

It was submitted by Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund in 2019.

Campagne « La démocratie dans le respect, par respect pour la démocratie » (available in French only)

Resource compilation

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

This resource assembles material created as part of a campaign launched to curb online harassment and infuse greater respect in political campaigns at the local level. It was highly successful and resulted in passed legislation at the provincial level. 

This information campaign was developed by the Union des Municipalités du Québec in 2021.

Étude sur l’hostilité en ligne envers les femmes (available in French only)

Report

All

This study provides an overview of the issue and its consequences on the victims, looks at the main guidelines that regulate online behavior and provides possible solutions to prevent and counter online violence against women.

It was completed by the Conseil du statut de la femme du Québec (Quebec Council on the Status of Women) in 2022.

The facts about online hate and cyber-violence against women and girls in Canada (available in English only)

Fact Sheet

All

This resource provides insights on the state of gender-based online hate and cyberviolence in Canada in a helpful Q&A format.

It was developed by Canadian Women’s Foundation and last updated in 2019.

Harassment Prevention Policy Template (available in English only)

Template

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

Members of community organization

This downloadable policy template helps municipalities foster a harassment-free workplace, and includes examples of harassment and guidelines on what should and shouldn’t be considered acceptable, language to remove stigmas, flexible procedures, measures for addressing harassment and an acknowledgement and declaration form.

It was developed by SUMA and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

How to fix the glitch in our online communities (available in English only)

Video

All

In this video, Seyi Akiwowo, the youngest, black female Councillor in East London, speaks of her experience with online violence and how it pushed her out of politics to found Glitch, a UK charity ending online abuse and championing digital citizenship.  

For free resources by Glitch: https://glitchcharity.co.uk/resources/

#NotTheCost - Stopping Violence Against Women in Politics: A Renewed Call to Action (available in English only)

Report

All

This call to action presents opportunities for action to end both prevailing and newly emerging types of violence against women in politics, organised by groups of actors (various types of institutions, civil society, media & technology, etc.)

It was developed and launched by the National Democrat Institute in 2016 and updated in 2021.

Online Abuse 101 (available in English only)

Guide

All

This guide provides an in-depth review of the tactics used in online abuse, tying them to legal issues and impacts for abuse victims, and is accompanied by a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section.

It was created by the Women’s Media Center as part of the WMC Speech Project.

Preventing Online Violence Against Women to Build Inclusive Democracies (available in English only)

Video

All

This video offers a simple, visual synopsis of why the issue of online violence against women in politics is important and needs to be addressed. It was created by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening in 2022.

More resources on violence against women in elections and politics can be found on the CEPPS Online Violence Against Women webpage.

Preventing violence against women in elections: A programming guide (available in French and English)

Guide

Elected officials

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

Members of community organization

This guide provides information on the specific components of violence against women in elections (VAWE) and offers options to prevent and mitigate it based on current good practices.

It was developed by developed by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women in 2017.

Tackling Online Abuse and Disinformation Targeting Women in Politics (available in English only)

Article

All

This article provides a clear overview of the challenge of online abuse and disinformation as well as clear options for action to address it. It is filled with links to helpful, practical and/or localised resources & initiatives for additional reading.

It was written for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 2020.

#ToxicHush Action Toolkit (available in English only)

Toolkit

All

This toolkit provides information to help understand online abuse, practical ways in which to respond to online abuse and to support others facing online abuse, as well as links to additional resources.

It was created by Informed Opinion. For more information about the #ToxicHush Campaign Against Online Hate.

Violence Against Women in Elections Online: A Social Media Analysis Tool (available in French and English)

Tool

Local government staff

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

Members of community organization

This report provides comprehensive information about violence against women in elections (VAWIE) online (contrasting it with political violence more generally), and clear guidance on how to identify trends and patterns of online violence against women around electoral periods. It includes examples, ideas, and lessons identified when piloting the tool in 5 countries.

It was created by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems in 2019.

La violence fondée sur le genre : les faits (available in French only)

Factsheet

All

This factsheet provides information about gender-based violence in a helpful Q&A format, and includes definitions and insights on the Canadian context.  

It was developed by Canadian Women’s Foundation and last updated in 2022.

Collaborate to end GBV! (available in French and English)

Infographic

All

This infographic series provide reasons why collaboration between local governments and community organizations is essential to end gender-based violence, and offers building blocks necessary for successful collaboration, with actionable tips to support partnerships.

They were produced by the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Increasing and supporting women in leadership roles

This section provides resources that support women and gender diverse folks, as well as municipal stakeholders who want to create an environment for women to consider running for, assuming and remaining in leadership positions.

Title Type Audience Description

Diverse Voices: Tools and Practices to Support all Women (available in English and French)

Toolkit

All

This resource provides practical examples of gender-responsive practices, strategies and/or tools, and highlights the specific approaches taken in 8 municipalities are highlighted.

It was developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2018.  

Getting to the gate: Discover your pathway to find success in politics (available in English and French)

Guide

Women and gender-diverse folks interested in local leadership

This guidebook provides insights as well as practical tips and guidance to help women decide to run, determine how to do it and prepare their campaigns. The guidebook addresses themes like building a campaign team, communications & media engagement, campaign finances, etc.  

It was developed by Equal Voice.

Getting to the gate: Discover your pathway to find success in politics - Activity Booklet (available in English only)

Toolkit

Women and gender-diverse folks interested in local leadership

This toolkit provides practical activities that go with the guidance provided in the Equal Voice Getting to the gate: Discover your pathway to find success in politics guidebook.

It was developed by Equal Voice.

Guide de bonnes pratiques #MuniciParité (Best Practices Guide #MuniciParity) (available in French only)

Toolkit

All

Ce guide souligne certains des obstacles systémiques à la participation des femmes en politique municipale au Nouveau-Brunswick et offre des stratégies pour les surmonter sous forme d’activités.

Ce guide est une collaboration entre le Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick et l’Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Make Your Mark (Laisse ta marque) (available in English only)

Toolkit

Elected officials

Women and gender-diverse folks interested in local leadership

This resource library contains videos, documents and links to key documents to foster engagement in local leadership and make “municipal councils more representative of the communities they serve.”

Municipal Elections in Canada: a guide for women candidates (available in English and French)

Guide

Women and gender-diverse folks interested in local leadership

This guide provides comprehensive guidance for women interested in running. It includes practical tips, tools and resources on elements like campaigning, financing, communications, etc.

It was developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Outil d’autodiagnostic pour évaluer ses compétences comme jeune élue ou élu (Self-diagnostic tool for elected youth to assess their competencies) (available in French only)

Guidance

Elected officials

Women and gender-diverse folks interested in local leadership

This tool helps young people aged 18 to 35 interested in running in local elections assess their competencies and provides additional resources and information to help them in their political journey .

It was made available by the Commission des jeunes élues et élus (CJÉ) of the Union des municipalités du Québec.

Run, Win, Lead: Toward Parity Framework (available in English and French)

Framework

All

This framework provides areas of intervention that stakeholders can consider, adapt or undertake to increase the opportunities and success of women to run, win and lead in municipal politics.

It was developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2021.

Toward Parity Inventory of Strategies, Ideas and Actions(available in French and English)

Toolkit

All

This toolkit presents practical options for action that can help address the obstacles preventing women from fully participating in municipal politics. Actions are categorized by stakeholder group to help with role identification and according to the Run, Win, Lead: Toward Parity Framework.

It was created by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2021.

Trousse Politique au féminin  (Political Kit for Women) (available in French only)

Toolkit

Women and gender-diverse folks interested in local leadership

This toolkit provides Francophone women in Ontario with tools and tips to guide them through the various phases of the process leading to local elected office.

It was developed by Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell in 2022.

Understanding, setting and achieving gender and equity targets

The effective collection and accurate analysis of reliable, disaggregated data is essential for understanding social challenges and informing policies and programmes that can lead to achieving social equity outcomes. While many understand and support evidence-based decision-making, local government officials have expressed concern and questions about how and when to collect and use data appropriately. This section also includes resources for monitoring and evaluation more broadly.

Title Type Audience Description

Count me in! Collecting human rights based data - Summary (available in French and English)

Fact Sheet

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This factsheet provides insights on why, when and how to collect and analyze data that identifies people on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation and other Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) grounds, explains some of the challenges associated with it, and lays out six simple steps for effective data collection.

It was developed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Disaggregated data tool - Templates (available in English only)

Template

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This document explains the legality of data collection and analysis based on race and other grounds and provides sample questions as well as recommendations for implementation. Additional resources in French,English and several other languages can be found here.

It was developed by Colour of Poverty – Colour of Change.

Feminist Approaches to Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning – Overview of Current Practices (available in English only)

Report

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This report provides an overview of feminist monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEAL) and includes a compendium of practical examples to explain different approaches/methods/processes.

It was developed by Equality Fund & Genesis Analytics in 2021.

Feminist Evaluation (available in English only)

Report

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This report provides guidance for using feminist evaluation approaches, including rationale for their use, key characteristics, examples and a contrast table with gender evaluation approaches.

It was developed by BetterEvaluation in 2016.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics (available in French and English)

Toolkit

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This Government of Canada Social Inclusion portal brings together key statistical information on the inclusion (or exclusion) of ethnocultural groups and immigrants in Canada. It is linked to Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and the Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion.

This was created by Statistics Canada and last modified in 2022.

Gender Indicators: What, Why and How? (available in English only)

Guide

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This brief defines gender indicators, nuancing between different approaches for data collection, provides rationale for the collection of gender indicators, offers guidance for deciding what to measure and presents a series of examples for inspiration.  

It was developed for Bridge Development – Gender in 2007.

OXFAM Feminist Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) (available in English only)

Guide

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This guide describes the seven foundations of a feminist approach to monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, and includes for each key considerations in their application.

It was developed by OXFAM Canada.

Niagara Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan – Data Summary Plan (available in English only)

Plan

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

Members of community organization

This report presents a summary of data collected in 4 research initiatives on the environment and employee experiences to inform the Draft Niagara Region Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan 2022-2027. The draft plan provides helpful examples of goals, as well as internal and external actions for achieving them, helpfully aligned to focus areas. More information about the initiative can be found here.

It was developed by the Niagara Region in 2022.

Measuring Inclusion Tool for Municipal Governments (available in English only)

Tool

Local government staff

 

Resident leaders on committees and other municipal governance bodies

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

This guide is designed to help municipal governments evaluate their internal policies and practices and take proactive steps to ensure they can be ’an inclusive employer, inclusive service provider and inclusive leader of the community.' It includes a glossary of terms, descriptions of levels of inclusion, a demographic survey and the evaluation tool itself, with questions on 12 municipal functions. An earlier, interactive version of the tool can be found here.

It was developed by the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association in 2019 and revised in 2021.

OECD Toolkit for Mainstreaming and Implementing Gender Equality (available in English only)

Guide

Local government staff

 

Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

 

A focus on Gender Sensitive Public Employment Systems in Chapter 4 (p.68) includes helpful self-assessment tools and key actions to consider in setting up public service legislation, policies and values that have clear and specific provisions for gender equality.

It was developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2015.

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