March 8th marks International Women’s Day. Adopted by the United Nations in 1975, it commemorates the movement for women’s rights and equality.  This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #MyFeminism, inspired by the role feminism continues to play in shaping Canada and countries around the world. Feminism is simply about equality – equality for women, men and people of all gender identities. Achieving gender equality means that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.  A lot of people believe that gender equity already exists but there are still many challenges.  Here are some surprising facts from The Government of Canada:

 

Too few women are advancing into leadership roles.

  • Women make up just 21.6% of Financial Post 500* board members.

Women are under-represented in politics.

  • 26% of those elected to the 42nd Parliament are women.
  • In 2015, women made up 28% of municipal councillors and only 18% of mayors.

Women in the workforce tend to earn less than men.

  • Average earnings for women in all job tenures (as percentage of men’s earnings) were 68.4% in 2014, suggesting a gap of over 30%. Footnotevii
  • When measuring full-time job tenure only, women earn 73.3% of men working full-time in Canada, or roughly 27% less. Footnoteviii
  • Women represent about two-thirds of part-time workers. Footnoteix

These are the women who inspired me this year:

Margaret Atwood: 

Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, inventor, and environmental activist. Her Novel A Handmaid’s Tale written in 1985 was brought to the forefront of popular culture this year when she produced it as a TV series for HULU.  The Handmaid’s Tale explores themes of women in subjugation to misogyny in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women gain individualism and independence. Op

Oprah

Oprah has always made it a point to share her truths while uncovering the realities that others face.  She is an incredible broadcastor, business women and she continues to stand up to societal injustices.

The Honerable Cheif Justice Beverly McLachlin

the 17th Chief Justice of Canada, the first woman to hold this position, and the longest serving Chief Justice of Canada in history. In her role as Chief Justice, she also served as a Deputy of the Governor General of Canada.

McLachlin announced on June 12, 2017, that she would be retiring from the bench effective December 15, 2017, nine months before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.  She continues to inspire.

The Ladies of #MeToo and #TimesUp on Parlaiment Hill

My Mom

Pat Welch is a saint for raising me and continuing to deal with my crap.

 

Filed under: Feminism, International Women's Day, Politics, women