5 Things: Issue 09
5 Things: Issue 09
In recognition of International Women's Day
A Reflection
I used to wonder what the big deal was about International Women’s Day. It wasn’t something I gave much thought to in my 20s and 30s. As I matured, I realized that my laissez-faire attitude towards the day likely amounted to ignorance about the privileges I’ve experienced in my life and the societal conditioning I’ve experienced. For a long time, I simply accepted things as they were without question.
But, as more women began to share their stories, I understood the importance of recognizing women’s contributions and celebrating their achievements.
It’s a day to acknowledge how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go.
It’s a day to reflect on our progress and the work needed so that people like my daughter and future generations can live in a world where gender equality is the norm and women’s contributions are fully valued and celebrated.
This year’s theme is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress
One way Canada has worked to accelerate progress is through its 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which launched in 2022. This is a topic close to my heart, and it’s high time we start advancing initiatives to improve the social, economic, and health outcomes for this community, which includes not only women but also gender-diverse communities.
You’ll find a ton of other resources here to learn more about the significance of this day.
Let’s come together and recognize the immense contributions of all womxn to the world today and every day.
One Piece of Business Advice
No matter your gender, find opportunities to acknowledge the women in the room with you. Here are a few ways you can do this:
If you identify as a woman and happen to be more outgoing, find opportunities to lift up the women who might not feel so empowered to speak.
Give credit where it is due and recognize other women's contributions.
Acknowledge your privilege when appropriate.
Offer support and help to those who are struggling.
Celebrate the success of others and work together to build a better workplace.
If you see a woman in a meeting who has a strong opinion, make sure to thank them for their contribution or congratulate them on their idea.
Provide mentorship opportunities that allow other women to learn from your successes.
One Mastery Tip
Another way to help advance women in the workplace is to be an ally.
An ally is someone who asks — and doesn’t assume — what you need.
This can feel daunting, but here are a few tips that can help you cultivate this skill:
Acknowledge your perfectly imperfect self. You’re not going to get it right all the time. Lead with empathy and be open to change.
Being open to change also means learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This is a beautiful skill to cultivate in any area of your life (#workinprogress)
Educate yourself so that you can more easily identify what you need to change. What podcasts can you listen to? What videos might you watch? Articles or books you can read? Ask questions (but only to those who are receptive to answering them.)
Don’t just sit there. Take action! This doesn’t mean you need to stand out on the street and wave a banner. You can do this in more subtle ways as well - amplify voices (see the previous section), mentor, speak up or disagree if someone is making an inappropriate joke. Or, donate to an amazing charity like Dress for Success Kelowna by supporting my fundraising efforts!
Today’s Quote
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” ~ Mae Jemison
One Resource
I’ll be spending some time this weekend diving into more facts about gender equality and gender justice.
International Women's Day isn't just for women; it is a day for everyone to come together, learn from each other, share, and commit to making a positive difference every day.