REEL WORLD Reframed - Women in Leadership

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Reelworld Screen Institute announces the launch of the Reelworld Reframe: Women in Leadership initiative, a transformative project to advance the representation of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour in leadership and decision-making roles within the Canadian screen industry. Supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), this 33-month initiative will address systemic barriers and foster inclusive practices within the industry.

A key activity of the project entails creating Reelworld Women Leadership for Change, an ad hoc group of representatives from industry associations and unions who will form inclusive committees (comprised of Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian and Women of Colour) within their organizations to gather insights, feedback and experiences to help shape the project. Other activities include conducting community consultations, analyzing existing research on underrepresentation and discriminatory systems, and developing policy recommendations and action plans. 

Reelworld’s 2024 #HerFrameMatters Research Study, supported with funding from WAGE, shows a serious lack of Black, Indigenous and Women of Colour in senior roles in the Canadian screen industry (based on 2023 data). The research showed that Of the top 4 Canadian broadcasters, two have 0 Black, Indigenous or  Women of Colour in senior executive roles, while the others have only one each. At the top 2 public funders in Canadian media, only one senior executive out of 8 is Black, Indigenous or a Woman of Colour at one company, and 3 out of 14 at the other. 

“Creating a leadership group of Indigenous and racialized women is the best way to address the unique challenges women face from those same communities daily,” said Tonya Williams, Founder and Executive Director at Reelworld Screen Institute. “Some progress has been made around women in general in the industry, but that change has been too slow for diverse women. The necessary changes can be realized with more diverse women in decision-making roles.”

The Reelworld Reframe: Women in Leadership project will advocate for gender equity and diversity within industry associations and unions, pushing for policy changes and promoting inclusive practices. The initiative is made possible through funding from the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund, within WAGE’s Women’s Program. It underscores Reelworld Screen Institute's commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity within the Canadian screen industry.

“When we bring diverse voices to the table, the conversation changes—and so do the outcomes. The #HerFrameMatters study is a powerful reminder of the systemic barriers that Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour continue to face in Canada’s screen industry. This work isn’t just about levelling the playing field; it’s about reimagining it all together. Because when women have the tools and opportunities to thrive, our entire country rises with them,” said The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

Organizations that will be part of the Reelworld Women Leadership for Change group, dedicated to lobbying for systemic changes at both federal and industry levels, include:

• ACTRA National

• ACTRA Toronto

• UBCP/ACTRA

• ADVANCE, Canada's Black Music Business Collective

• Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA)

• Directors Guild of Canada

• IATSE 634

• NABET 700-M UNIFOR

• Writers Guild of Canada

Visit Reelworld’s website, subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on social media for updates on the Reelworld Reframe: Women in Leadership initiative and how you can get involved.