The only two organizations in Nova Scotia that help women find jobs have been told they're no longer allowed to exist as a women-only service.
It's part of the provincial government's plan to restructure how employment services are offered.
A government spokesperson says the idea is to provide consistent services for all Nova Scotians no matter where they live.
"We are asking providers to look at ways they can partner, merge together, and streamline administration and infrastructure in order to reinvest our funding into an inclusive delivery system that better serves Nova Scotians," said the spokesperson in a statement.
Women’s Employment Outreach offers a range of free services to help women find jobs. But the organization and its clients say women have specific needs they worry won't be met.
"Women have unique labour market needs in relation to men, and Women's Employment Outreach will focus on ensuring that women continue to receive effective service within the new model," said the board of directors in a statement.
Ruth Martin turned to Women's Employment Outreach roughly 10 years ago. She's now working on starting her own business.
“They kind of pick up the pieces for you and work with you,” said Martin.
At 74, she has two degrees and confidence, but it wasn't always that way.
“I separated and just struggling financially and just having a difficult time,” said Martin.
Martin says she’s unhappy with the decision.
“I think at this point in time, although we are trying to get equality with men in the workplace, we don't have it,” she said.
The Ann Terry Project in Sydney will also no longer provide women-only services. A member of its board of directors says the group’s mandate is to help women.
It says it is not prepared to expand to include men, so it will likely close altogether.
The new model will be implemented by July.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell.
