2. Economic Integration of Internationally Trained and Educated
Immigrant /Visible Minority Women in Medicine Hat
September

3. ANIW - Vision and Mission
To empower immigrant women across Alberta to play an active and integrated role as valued contributors to the Alberta community.
Mission
To lead and support initiatives which foster equality, justice and learning for immigrant women.
Established in 1986
Research
Forums/round table discussion
Recommendation into program
Solution focused
Partnerships

4. Definition: Economic Security
The International Labour Organization - United Nations defines Economic Security as:
Access to basic needs, infrastructure for health, education, dwelling , information, social protection as well as work related security such as income security and voice representation.

5. Project Background
In 2013: Research using gender–based lens to address economic security issues identified:
Lack of recognition of the qualifications and skills gained from the country of origin.
Lack of employment and Canadian experience
Part time jobs and underemployed, if employed
Additional critical issues included child care, bridging / training programs, lack of public transportation and affordable housing,
GBA : an analytic tool that helps to identify and clarify the differences between women and men, boys and girls, and demonstrates how these differences affect employment status, access to, and interaction with, the employment system( employer, policies )

6. Project Objective
Collaborate with stakeholders to  improve the employability of internationally trained and educated immigrant women in Medicine Hat

7. Project Progress and Learnings
Community Stakeholders
Awareness and a deeper understanding of the issue of Economic Security
Critical need to address the issue and it’s sustainability
Appreciation of the talent existing in the community
Increased accessibility to this talent
Participants
Exposure to resources and networks across Alberta
Resources and opportunities within the community
Career options and alternatives

8. Employers
Change in their perception of immigrant women
Open to communicating with the diversity of talent in the community
Realization that “Canadian experience” and recruitment practices are barriers
Workshops (In Progress)
Tools for success
Networking and resources
Labour market information
Connections to employers

9. Positive feedback from stakeholders
In Conclusion
Positive feedback from stakeholders
Hopeful participants - now equipped with more resources and opportunities
Awareness/empathy/commitment in the community
Supportive systems and what it requires

10. Thank you to the members of the Foreign Qualification Recognition Unit of Alberta Labour. Your support is greatly appreciated.
ANIW Board of Directors