Nearly Two-Thirds of Canadian Women Believe Employers Treat International Women’s Day as More Celebration Than Accountability – That Needs to Change

The new data comes from a survey of Canadians, highlighting that for many women, it feels more symbolic than substantive.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches, new national data suggests many Canadian women are calling for more transparency and accountability in how employers support them. Leading Canadian benefits consultancy, Benchmark Benefits, conducted a survey that uncovers a gap between IWD celebrations and meaningful, year-round workplace support.

The data shows Canadian women are looking for more than symbolic gestures from their employers. While 57 per cent agree that IWD initiatives can have a meaningful impact in the workplace, 64 per cent believe employers treat the day as a celebration rather than an opportunity to assess how they support women. Meanwhile, 75 per cent say companies should be open about how they are actually supporting women employees.

A major driver of this perceived lack of support is dissatisfaction with the tangible workplace benefits and policies available.

• 40 per cent of women with benefits say they are not satisfied with their current benefits package
• 47 per cent of women with benefits have delayed or avoided healthcare because they did not have adequate benefits
• More than 1 in 10 women have left a job due to inadequate workplace benefits

“International Women’s Day should be a checkpoint, not a checkbox,” said Gisela Carere, President of Benchmark Benefits. “Our findings show women can tell the difference between celebration and real support. We want to challenge employers to provide support for women where it actually matters. Benefits are one of the most concrete ways employers can demonstrate support. When coverage, leave policies and flexibility don’t reflect women’s real life stages, the gap between intention and impact becomes obvious.”

For 83 per cent of women, workplace benefits and policies matter more than symbolic gestures around International Women’s Day.

What benefits matter most? According to the study, women say it is important that the following benefits be a part of any standard workplace benefits package:

1. Comprehensive mental health services (91%)
2. Coverage for women’s preventative health (87%)
3. Caregiving support for elder or dependent care (87%)
4. Flexible or reduced work schedules (82%)
5. Menopause assessment, treatment, and hormone therapy coverage (79%)
6. Employer-paid parental leave top-up (78%)

“These results make it clear that the benefits women value most aren’t perks, they’re foundational,” said Carere. “Mental health support, caregiving resources and menopause coverage reflect real life. When employers invest in these areas, they’re not just enhancing a package, they’re building a workplace that meaningfully recognizes how women move through the world.”

With celebration alone no longer enough, employers are being called to measure the impact of their support. Take the Benchmark Benefits self-audit to see if your organization is ready to celebrate International Women’s Day, or if there’s more work to do.

About the Survey
These findings are from a survey conducted by Benchmark Benefits from February 9 to 11, 2026, among a representative sample of 1502 online adult Canadians, including 770 women, who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About Benchmark Benefits Solutions Inc.
Benchmark Benefits Solutions Inc. is a Canadian employee benefits and total rewards consulting firm that partners with organizations to design strategic, sustainable programs that support employees across every stage of life. Through data-driven insights and tailored advisory services, Benchmark helps employers optimize benefits performance, manage costs and enhance workplace well-being. Serving public, private and not-for-profit sectors, the firm specializes in employee benefits, retirement and savings plans, wealth strategies and workplace education, ensuring organizations remain competitive while meaningfully supporting their people.