Celebrating women at work

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This article was published 09/03/2024 (888 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

International Women’s Day (March 8) holds a special place in my heart because it is also my daughter’s birthday.

Even without that tug, I also think that it is important to celebrate the resourceful, tenacious, and determined women who have made large and small wins for equality and have broken stereotypes.

I would like to celebrate my own mother, Holly McNally, who is so excellent that she was invested with an Order of Canada last year. She had an eye for entrepreneurship and an innate ability to create a home. She was ambitious and successful in her work but always made time to make homemade meals and vacation with the family. She practiced work/life balance with style long before the term was invented.

I would also like to celebrate my mentor, Barbara Bowes, who, even in retirement, stays on top of human resources trends and issues. Barb is continuously feeding me ideas, advice, answers, and support. Only in retirement has she found her work/life balance — you cannot call her in the afternoon anymore, that is reserved for her daily swim.

In every corner of the globe, women are making waves, breaking barriers, and reshaping the landscape of work. International Women’s Day is an opportune moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of women in the workforce and to celebrate their resilience, innovation, and dedication.

Throughout history, women have faced systemic discrimination and unequal opportunities in various aspects of their professional lives.

One prevalent example is the gender pay gap, where women have consistently earned less than men for performing the same work, regardless of qualifications or experience. Additionally, women are often underrepresented in leadership roles across industries, encountering invisible barriers known as the glass ceiling that hinder their career advancement. Moreover, motherhood often leads to discrimination in the workplace, with employers viewing it as a liability, thus limiting job opportunities and career growth for women with caregiving responsibilities.

These examples highlight the entrenched biases and discriminatory practices that perpetuate gender inequality, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address systemic barriers and promote equal opportunities for women in the workforce.

Despite facing daunting challenges, women have exhibited remarkable resilience, pushing boundaries, and breaking barriers. Their journeys are characterized by perseverance, as they navigate through societal norms and biases that have long hindered their advancement. Despite these adversities, women have demonstrated unwavering determination, refusing to be confined by limitations imposed upon them. Instead, they have forged their paths, carving out spaces in industries where they were once marginalized.

Their tenacity and courage in the face of adversity serve as a testament to their strength and resolve, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for gender equality and empowerment in the workplace. Women have consistently shattered glass ceilings, assuming leadership roles, and becoming trailblazers in fields once dominated by men.

One of the most remarkable aspects of women’s progress in the workforce is the sheer diversity of their achievements. From boardrooms to laboratories, from classrooms to courtrooms, women are leaving their mark and driving positive change. Their influence spans across sectors, enriching industries with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

Work still needs to be done. According to Randstad, in 2023, 34 per cent of women in Canada held university degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields but, unfortunately, only 23 per cent of people working in science and technology were women.

We are lagging well behind the European Union which boasts that a whopping 43 per cent of their STEM workers are women.

There are many local organizations working to change these numbers.

One of them is WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Kid-Netic Energy. WISE KE is an outreach program from the University of Manitoba that hosts year-round events in schools and out to reach Manitoba youth to inspire and empower them with the possibilities of science, engineering and technology.

They are providing the hands-on spark that makes STEM fun and can open the idea of a possible career path for Manitoba’s youth (www.wisekidneticenergy.ca).

All of this effort and push for change is important because women bring unique strengths to the workplace, including empathy, collaboration, and adaptability. These qualities not only enhance team dynamics but also foster inclusive and supportive work environments where everyone can thrive. By championing diversity and inclusion, organizations harness the full spectrum of talent and creativity, leading to greater innovation and productivity.

International Women’s Day stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender parity and underscores the crucial need for sustained advocacy and action.

It’s a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements while reaffirming our dedication to advancing their rights and opportunities globally. As we mark this occasion, it’s essential to acknowledge the intersectionality of gender inequality and the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups such as women of colour, LGBTTQ+ individuals, and women with disabilities. By addressing these overlapping forms of discrimination, we take significant strides toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Moreover, International Women’s Day offers a chance to honor the trailblazing women who have paved the way for future generations and to recognize those who continue to inspire change today.

Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or leading by example, women serve as catalysts for progress, sparking a ripple effect that resonates across generations.

As we celebrate women at work this International Women’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to creating workplaces where women are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, let us build a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, and where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality.

Tory McNally, CPHR, B.Sc., vice-president HR consulting is a human resource professional, radio personality, speaker and problem solver. She can be reached at tory@legacybowes.com