Study reveals Filipino-Canadian women recorded lowest self-employment rate in 2021

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Whether driven by passion or the need to navigate economic uncertainties, self-employment stands as a dynamic and evolving facet of the modern workforce, offering individuals the autonomy to chart their own professional course.

In an era marked by technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, the concept of self-employment transcends traditional career paradigms.

However, a recently released study by Statistics Canada has unveiled significant disparities in self-employment rates among Canadian women, with Filipino women ranking the lowest at only five percent.

Meanwhile, Black Canadian women slightly surpass their Filipino counterparts at six percent, while Korean women stand out with the highest self-employment rate at 25 percent.

In 2022, the study reports that nearly one million women in Canada were self-employed, constituting 37 percent of the total self-employed population. This marks a notable increase from 26 percent in 1976.

The study utilizes historical data from the Labour Force Survey spanning from 1976 to 2022. By analyzing changes in self-employment rates, types of self-employment, and top occupations among self-employed women, the research provides an insightful profile, where they concluded that it is “important to better understand reasons for differences in women’s self-employment across population groups.”

Top five occupations of self-employed women

Among racialized groups, the study also highlights the top five occupations among self-employed women. These are light duty cleaners, managers in agriculture, accounting technicians and bookkeepers, hairstylists and barbers, and real estate agents and salespersons.

The study funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada notes that within the top five occupations, a significant number of Canadian Filipino women are employed as light duty cleaners, reflecting a rate at almost 14 percent, almost three times higher than the national average.

Following this, seven percent of Filipino women respondents work as home childcare providers and insurance agents or brokers, both at four percent.

A notable observation includes the presence of nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates among Canadian Filipino self-employed women, accounting for over seven percent.

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With ongoing initiatives by provincial governments to recruit healthcare workers from the Philippines, this percentage may see a significant rise in the next national census.

This comprehensive study brings attention to the intricate landscape of self-employment among Canadian women, revealing both encouraging trends and concerning disparities.