CME works to improve female representation in the manufacturing sector with Canada’s first Women in Manufacturing Success Forum on International Women’s Day

Toronto, March 8, 2018

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is proud to host today the first Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Success Forum to bridge the alarming gender gap in the manufacturing sector labour force. The event, held on International Women’s Day, is a celebration of the successes of women and is the first event of its kind to encourage mentorship, community-building and experience-sharing amongst female peers.

“The manufacturing sector offers rewarding, innovative and lucrative careers for women but, unfortunately, only a small proportion of women, less than 6%, choose that path. This needs to change,” said Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) National Board of Directors Chair Rhonda Barnet, President & COO of Steelworks “Today’s event was a unique opportunity for women working in manufacturing to speak up and create change they want to see in the industry.”

“Diversity in the manufacturing workforce is critical to the strength of the sector,” added Barnet. “CME is taking a leadership role in implementing fact-based solutions to encourage women to enter careers in manufacturing and help build more inclusive workplaces for them to join.”

The WIM success forum is a concrete step to implement CME’s action plan to help attract and retain women in manufacturing.

ABOUT CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERs

Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and, compete around the world. Our focus is to ensure manufacturers are recognized as engines for growth in the economy, with Canada acknowledged as both a global leader and innovator in advanced manufacturing and a global leader in exporting. CME is a member-driven association that directly represents more than 2,500 leading companies who account for an estimated 82 per cent of manufacturing output and 90 per cent of Canada’s exports.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stefi Proulx

Director of Communications & Branding

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

(613) 292-6070

stefi.proulx@cme-mec.ca