A heart-centered framework to
advance women in the New Economy
Supported by Canada’s ministry of women & gender equality
A systemic change initiative by Conscious Economics
The Heartwork Project is a national initiative dedicated to advancing all women across Canada’s business landscape. We provide two tailored frameworks to support both corporate and gig economy environments. Both frameworks are heart-centered, focusing on dismantling systemic barriers and driving meaningful, lasting change in women’s economic participation.
Helping women thrive in entrepreneurial and freelance roles
When women don’t thrive at work, the entire economy suffers. Women’s wellbeing is directly tied to global economic success. Yet, recent years have seen women leaving the workforce at alarming rates due to burnout, lack of purpose, and systemic barriers. In Canada, 1 in 3 women consider leaving their jobs due to overwhelming work-life pressures and insufficient support systems like affordable childcare and healthcare.
Research shows that 42% of women feel chronically burned out, especially those in leadership roles. This leads to decreased productivity, innovation, and workplace morale, with wide-reaching economic consequences. Moreover, women seek purpose-driven work that aligns with their values and well-being. The future of work must address these gaps if we are to retain and empower women in the workforce.
By partnering with Heartwork, your organization can lead the way in creating a more inclusive economy where creativity, wellness, and financial security thrive. Whether through sponsorship, corporate partnerships, or training opportunities, your involvement makes a significant difference in advancing systemic change.
SUBSCRIBEHeartwork is more than just a research project or policy framework—it’s a movement aimed at inspiring systemic change and improving outcomes for women across Canada. By leveraging art, we make Heartwork accessible through multiple creative mediums, allowing the philosophy to reach diverse audiences in innovative ways.
The Heartwork Film is a short documentary that explores the intersectional experiences of diverse women in corporate Canada. It profiles six community leaders working toward gender equity and inclusion, sharing their unique perspectives. The film creates a hopeful vision of a more inclusive future of work, fostering a conscious economy.
Produced by Conscious Economics, the film won an award at the Toronto Independent Film Festival in May 2023.
Heartwork: Advancing Women in Leadership partnered with Serena Ryder’s The Art of Falling Apart Tour, which highlighted the importance of mental wellness in business. All proceeds from Heartwork merchandise sales supported programming that promotes the full and equal participation of diverse women in corporate Canada.
The Heartwork crewneck displays the heart symbol with the awakened eye at the front reminding us to stay heart-centred and conscious in business. The back says “Everyone Deserves A Seat At The Table” – a testament to the co-creation and collaborative theme of the Heartwork project, whereby community organizations, women across the nation, and corporate champions all had an active voice in creating the solutions framework.