Gender Issues in Alberta Today

NPA Gender Policy Framework

  • Equal opportunity in employment and leadership regardless of gender
  • Comprehensive prevention and response to gender-based violence
  • Support for gender-diverse individuals in public services
  • Economic policies addressing pay equity and caregiving supports

The NPA's gender policy framework addresses representation, economic equity, safety, and inclusion—ensuring all Albertans can participate fully in society regardless of gender identity.

Policy Priorities

Priority Area NPA Position
Leadership Representation Remove barriers to women and gender-diverse people in leadership roles
Economic Equity Address pay gaps and support work-family balance policies
Violence Prevention Comprehensive approach to gender-based violence prevention and response
Inclusive Services Ensure public services accommodate gender-diverse individuals

Representation and Leadership

Women hold fewer than 40% of provincial legislature seats and remain underrepresented in senior executive positions, board roles, and technical professions. Gender-diverse individuals face additional barriers to workplace participation. The NPA supports policies removing structural barriers to leadership advancement while maintaining merit-based selection processes.

Economic Participation

Persistent pay gaps and occupational segregation affect women's lifetime earnings and financial security. Caregiving responsibilities disproportionately borne by women limit workforce participation and career advancement. The NPA supports:

  • Pay Equity Measures: Transparent compensation practices addressing systemic wage disparities
  • Caregiving Support: Policies enabling work-family balance for all workers
  • Occupational Access: Removing barriers to women's participation in higher-paying fields

Safety and Violence Prevention

Gender-based violence—intimate partner violence, sexual assault, harassment—affects physical health, mental health, and economic participation. The NPA supports comprehensive approaches including:

  • Prevention: Education and cultural change reducing violence incidence
  • Victim Support: Accessible services for those experiencing violence
  • Accountability: Effective justice system response to perpetrators

Gender-Diverse Inclusion

Creating inclusive policies in schools, healthcare, workplaces, and public facilities ensures gender-diverse Albertans can access services and participate fully in community life. The NPA supports respectful accommodation of diverse gender identities in public service delivery.