Employment Women's participation in the paid labour force has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. The proportion of women in professional occupations, business, finance, and natural and applied sciences has increased, but still does equal that of men. Efforts to increase women's representation in non-traditional occupations such as trades, which tend to pay higher wages, has resulted in some improvements. Women are far more likely than men to work part time. Lack of access to childcare is cited by many women as a key reason for not participating more in the paid labour force.
Women shoulder a disproportionate burden of unpaid work.
In 1992 in BC, employed married mothers spent an average of 5.4 hours per day on unpaid work, employed lone-parent mothers spent an average of 3.8 hours per day on unpaid work, as compared to men who spent three hours. This inequitable sharing of household responsibilities can adversely affect a woman's ability to obtain training, choice of job, promotions and ultimately her ability to earn a high income that would lead to an adequate pension. Women continue to face particular challenges in achieving equality. Economic equality is paramount, as these factors can influence a woman's ability to access training, employment, well paying jobs, and positions of influence, and may affect her safety, self-esteem and health. These factors can be greater for some women, particularly visible minority, aboriginal, immigrant, disabled, elderly, lesbian and women living in rural or remote areas.