Chair: Cathy Barr, Imagine Canada

Women in Programming: a Preliminary Case Study on Gender and Technology
Silvia Rodrigues Follador, Fundação Getúlio Vargas

Based on a preliminary case study, this paper seeks to examine a social impact initiative whose focus is in the training of women in the programming area. {reprograma} is a non- profit dedicated to reducing gender inequalities in the Brazilian technology market by offering free programming bootcamps to low-income unemployed women. The main objective is to demonstrate the extent to which this program allows its alumnae to develop a gender awareness and how or if this is reflected in their professional experiences. The hypothesis is that the inequalities regarding gender and gender relations at the workplace can be overcome by initiatives such as this one.

Literacy & Essential Skills as a Poverty Reduction Strategy
Maureen Anglin, Frontier College

This presentation will examine the results of a national study on how to bridge the divide between literacy and essential skills programming, and poverty alleviation and reduction efforts across Canada. Findings show that poverty reduction policies and programs should include literacy development that is responsive to the full spectrum of needs of lower-skilled adults, including those who are most distant from the labour market.

What does it take? Influences to successful initiatives for girls and women in sport
Swarali Patil, Western University; Alison Doherty, Western University

A multiple case study approach was used to examine the capacity of national governing bodies for three amateur sports in Canada that are pursuing gender equity initiatives, and the external factors that constrain that capacity. Critical capacity elements (e.g., knowledgeable/experienced staff, sponsorships, culture) and external factors (e.g., Canadian sport system, political climate) were identified across the NSOs. The findings affirm the multidimensional and context-specific nature of organizational capacity (Doherty et al., 2014; Hall et al., 2003) and highlight the potential impact of external factors on capacity elements essential for goal achievement.