15 Vancouver companies with women leadership

Protesting with your wallet isn't a new concept, but it is a powerful one.

In 2017, the gender leadership gap still reigns supreme, with only 15% of executives in North America self-identifying as female. As the public becomes more politically-aware, it is important to support companies that stand for your values and to boycott those that oppose them. Vancouver is lucky enough to have numerous women-run and operated companies within the city, many of whom are socially-minded and community-oriented. We’ve put together a short (and by no means comprehensive) list of a few of our favourites below.

Retail

Luna Pads
Home to reusable menstruation products, Luna Pads is a social mission-driven enterprise that donates products both locally and abroad.

Black Bond Books
Run by women for over three generations, Black Bond Books and the Book Warehouse are proud independent booksellers.

The Party Bazaar
Vancouver’s one-stop party shop for over 30 years, Party Bazaar, serves every occasion and every type of customer.

Sidesaddle
A  locally owned, independent bike shop offering everything you need for city and road riding.

Miscellany Finds
A revenue-generating thrift store that feeds right back into social programs for women and youth.

Fairware
Providing sustainable promotional products for local and North America-wide businesses.

Arts and Humanities

Vancouver Women’s Library
A curated collection of fiction and non-fiction novels spanning genres and written by female and female-identifying authors.

The Rio Theatre
A multidisciplinary art house, the Rio has been in operation since 1938 and hosts movies, live plays, burlesque and film festivals.

Arts Assembly 
The first female-founded and directed art board in Vancouver, focusing on social practices, research and fostering relationships between the community and professional artists.

Hospitality

Purdy’s Chocolates
Everyone's favourite purple box. Purdy's has been in operation, and family-run, in Vancouver for over 110 years. 

The Lazy Gourmet
In operation since 1979, the Lazy Gourmet catering focuses on quality food, sustainability, community and the highest level of service.

East Van Roasters
Designed to provide pre-employment training and work opportunity for the women residents of the Rainier Hotel, East Van Roasters sells coffee, beans and chocolate.

Bandidas Taqueria
Bandidas is dedicated to quality, affordable food and also sponsors local community events, contributes to local causes and hangs the works of local artists on their walls. 

 Organizations

Vancity Credit Union
Initially established to provide mortgages to the East Vancouver working-class, today Vancity is the largest a member-owned credit union in Canada. Read their CEO's op-ed on women in business here.

Be the Change Group 
Population and public health consultants who create change through the dynamic integration of their academic, technical and creative expertise.

We can continue to advocate for this issue in a number of ways: starting our own companies, supporting existing companies, doing your research before purchasing to find out the company’s best practices and mentoring young girls. 

Every year the YWCA celebrates Metro Vancouver Women with the Women of Distinction Awards. Learn more the 2017 Nominees.