Québec, March 6, 2025. – In Québec, in 2022, 21% of the population aged 15 and over— and 24% of women—had a disability. People with disabilities are those who, because of an impairment or difficulty in performing certain tasks, are limited in their daily activities. This impairment of difficulty stems from a long-term health condition or disorder (lasting six months or more).
The employment rate of women with disabilities is similar to that of men with disabilities, but lower than that of women and men without disabilities. Their median income is lower than that of women without disabilities and that of men in general.
Women with disabilities are less likely to have a university degree than women without disabilities, but more likely than men with or without disabilities to have reached this educational level.
They are also more likely to have experienced at least one unwanted sexual behaviour in public in the past 5 years than people in the other groups.
These are some of the new statistics available in the statistical showcase on gender equality (in French only), which is the result of a partnership between the Secrétariat à la condition féminine and the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
A few highlights
| Women with disabilities | Women without disabilities | Men with disabilities | Men without disabilities | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Proportion of university graduates (2021) |
31% | 39% | 26% | 25% | |
|
Employment rate (2021) |
45% | 61% | 47% | 67% | |
|
Median income (2022) |
$29,000 | $38,200 | $33,800 | $45,700 | |
| Low income rate1 (2022) | 15% | 8% | 14% | 7% | |
| Proportion of people who have experienced at least one unwanted sexual behaviour in public in the past 5 years (2018) | 29% | 22% | 13% | 8% | |
|
1. Based on the Low Income Measure (LIM). Sources, definitions and methodology for each indicator are detailed in the statistical showcase. |
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About the showcase
The showcase is the result of a partnership between the Secrétariat à la condition féminine and the Institut de la statistique du Québec and is among the actions implemented as part of the Government Strategy for Gender Equality 2022–2027. This showcase is updated periodically to monitor equality in Québec. Sign up for our email notifications so you don’t miss anything.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.