The future through her eyes: Women are worried about tomorrow
Gender equality19.02.2025
As part of our micro-series on key data points from the groundbreaking What Women Want survey, presented at The Women’s Summit in October 2024 in partnership with She, Her, Hers and Abacus Data, we’re spotlighting the complex realities shaping women’s lives today. These articles break down the data, tell the stories behind the numbers, and outline where change is most needed.
Our survey painted a sobering picture of how women feel about the future. While men leaned toward optimism, a significant 57 per cent of women expressed negative feelings about what’s to come.
Key insights from the data:
- 57 per cent of women feel negative about the future.
- Women cited financial, emotional, and physical burdens as their primary concerns.
- Only 39 per cent of women described their outlook as positive.
Why this matters:
These numbers point to a deeper issue—one rooted in inequality, economic strain, and a lack of robust support systems. Women’s concerns about their futures stem from lived experiences of carrying more while receiving less.
What’s next:
- For organizations: Advocate for better financial, health, and childcare support for women.
- For policymakers: Strengthen initiatives that address economic inequality and healthcare access.
- For communities: Build peer support networks to share resources and reduce isolation.
Canadian resources for support and advocacy:
- Canadian Women’s Foundation – Support for economic stability, safety, and leadership.
- Crisis Services Canada – A 24/7 helpline for those experiencing distress.
- Plan International Canada – Advocacy programs supporting the rights and futures of girls and women.
