A new project is tackling the systemic obstacles that keep women with disabilities from achieving their full potential in the workforce.

The federal government announced $656,053 in funding for a new two-year project lead by Realize called Breaking Barriers and Shaping Inclusive Workplaces for Women with Episodic Disabilities (BRIDGE). Support will come through training opportunities, employer engagement, and community-building initiatives, in and effort to strengthen workplace policies and expand opportunities for employment and career advancement.

Episodic disabilities are unpredictable in their length, severity, and occurrence. Some examples include long-COVID, multiple sclerosis, lupus, arthritis, HIV, diabetes, mental health conditions and many others.

Women in Canada impacted by episodic disabilities face uncertainty and often exclusion when it comes to work and income. As of 2022, they are more likely than men to have severe or very severe disabilities.

“Episodic disabilities do not always show visible signs, but millions of women in Canada live with them,” said Melissa Egan, co-director of national programs at Realize. “Fostering greater understanding of the unique needs of women living with episodic health conditions in the workplace is essential to an economy that works for everyone.”