I Am Delighted and Amazed!

By Delee FrommGender Equality, Women at Work

International Women’s Day 2018! What a week it has been! When I reflect on how awareness had grown since 2003 when I first became involved in women’s advancement training and consultation – I am DELIGHTED AND AMAZED! The focus on gender inequity has taken off and is everywhere. From the SheEO# Summits held around the world to the focus of gender in the latest Federal Budget, both the number and quality of the events are overwhelming. So let me share just some of the many things that has made my heart sing over the past few weeks.

  • The level of women’s awareness about gender blind spots, and their role in advancement and success at work being so focused and informed.
  • The keen interest in gender dynamics – by both men and women – to help solve the issue of the gender gap.
  • The number of senior men in audiences who are open and curious and keen to help solve the issue of gender equality.
  • The SheEO Summit in Toronto where 7 ventures led by women were awarded and supported by the radical generosity of women Activators.
  • The multitude of panel discussions on gender equality issues that included both men and women.
  • The Ontario government’s proposal regarding pay transparency.
  • The many consultants, authors and presenters working to provide information about the benefits of inclusion, diversity and equality, and how to achieve them.
  • The journalists who are speaking truth to power about gender inequity and sexual misconduct.
  • The new Canadian Private Sector Equality Leadership Project.
  • IBM suing Microsoft over inclusion and diversity strategies that IBM classified as its “trade secrets”. Incredible evidence for the competitive business edge provided by a diverse work force.
  • Buildings in the financial district of Toronto being lit with the female sign.

I admit there is still much work to be done but for the next few days I am going to remain DELIGHTED AND AMAZED at what has been achieved in such a short time. With more and more people getting involved, recognizing the problem of gender equality and helping to solve it, I know we can and will close the gap.