Status of Women Canada
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Status of Women Canada

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Women in Canada at a Glance Statistical Highlights

Visible Minority Women

  • In 2006, about 5.1 million individuals reported being members of a visible minority: 51% – or 2.6 million – were women. Visible minority women made up 16.4% of the total female population.
  • One in three visible minority women were born in Canada. In 2006, the majority of visible minority women (68%) had immigrated to Canada and about 29% had been born in this country.
  • Ninety-six percent (96%) of visible minority women lived in metropolitan areas, compared with 63% of non-visible minority women.
  • Visible minority women are more likely than non-visible minority women to have a higher level of education. For instance, 43% of visible minority women of core working age (25 to 54) who were born in Canada held university degrees, almost double the rate for their non-visible minority counterparts (22%).
  • Visible minority women comprise a significant percentage of the students in technical and scientific programs. In 2006, visible minorities made up 29% of all women studying physical and life sciences and technologies; 29% in architecture, engineering and related subjects; and 28% in mathematics, computer and information sciences.
  • Generally, visible minority women earn less than their non-visible minority counterparts. Visible minority women of core working age reported median employment income of $23,300 in 2005, compared to $28,900 for non-visible minority women.
  • Visible minority women are more likely to be in a low-income situation. In 2005, among visible minority women in families, 28% lived in low-income situations, double the percentage for their non-visible minority counterparts (14%).
  • The earnings gap disappears among Canadian-born second and third generation visible and non-visible minorities. Median earnings for second-generation visible minority women were about $41,500 in 2005, slightly less than the median earnings of $42,000 for second-generation non-visible minority women. This group's higher earnings and improved employment rates were the result of higher levels of education. Although many first-generation visible minority women and men hold a university degree upon arrival in Canada, often their foreign work experience and credentials may not be directly transferable to this country's labour market.

Proportion of visible minority women, Canada, 1981 to 2031

1. Projections.
Sources: Statistics Canada, censuses of Population, 1981 to 2006; and Statistics Canada, 2010. Projections of the Diversity of the Canadian Population, 2006 to 2031, Catalogue no. 91-551-X.

Text Equivalent of Chart 7

Visible minority women with postsecondary education in various fields of study, Canada, 2006

Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2006

Text Equivalent of Chart 8

For additional information, consult the "Visible Minority Women" chapter in Women in Canada: A Gender-based Statistical Report, 6th edition, or go to http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-503-x/2010001/article/11527-eng.htm.

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Date Modified:
2013-01-11