In opposition to the current political climate, we’ve seen women across the world unite to make their voices heard on equality, justice and their human rights. It is no surprise this year’s International Women’s Day will hold a special significance. Beyond being a day to recognize women’s achievements, it represents the opportunity to acknowledge the challenges they continue to face to reach gender equality.
If the January 21st Women’s March on Washington, which gathered an unprecedented 5 million people worldwide (including 1 million in Washington DC), was any indication; we can expect this year’s International Women’s Day to be a pivotal event. Indeed, it will also be known as A Day Without A Woman; a one-day demonstration of economic solidarity to recognize the value of women of all backgrounds to our socio-economic system.
What is International Women’s Day?
Observed since 1911, International Women’s Day is a worldwide event that celebrates the achievements of women, while calling for gender equality. This event isn’t affiliated with any one group, but brings together governments, women’s organizations, corporations and charities. The day is marked around the world with arts performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches.
2017 Theme: #BeBoldForChange #EqualityMatters
Each year a theme is picked to direct conversations and actions. In 2017, we are focusing on it is ”Women in the changing world of work: planet 50-50 by 2030 with 2 hashtags to lead the conversations #BeBoldForChange and #EqualityMatters.
You might ask why equality matters? It does because gender stereotypes only serve to hold us all back, and the world needs the talents of everyone to truly reach its full potential: women, men, girls and boys.
But wait… gender equality already exists, doesn’t it?
We have made progress in areas such as education and workforce participation. Nevertheless, challenges remain:
– Women are under-represented in leadership roles and politics
– They continue to be responsible for the majority of caregiving
– Women in the workforce tend to earn less than men
– They continue to experience high rates of gender-based harassment and violence
How can society change this?
It starts with:
– Raising awareness around challenges faced by women in the workplace
– Changing attitudes and behaviors
– Recognizing that gender stereotypes and subtle sexism are part of the problem
– Challenging the sexism and discrimination allowing gender inequality to exist
How does it translate at ADL Process?
ADL Process is an industrial electronics recycling facility, the nature of the work we perform makes us a traditionally male-dominated industry. We are proud to have a diverse workforce including women of all backgrounds in roles such as Disassemblers, Administrative Coordinator, Health & Safety Coordinator, Marketing Manager, Financial Compliance Officer and Operations & HR Manager.
It is our priority to make sure women working, both in the office and on the floor, are treated equally, fairly and respectfully. We strive to make all staff feel welcome, respected, heard and empowered every step of the way. To that end, we focus on equal opportunity hiring and advancement practices.
Join us in celebrating women and working towards equality!
Sources:
- http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/commemoration/iwd-jif/theme-en.html
- RBC Economics, Canadian Women Grabbing the Baton (October 2013) http://www.rbc.com/economics/economic-reports/pdf/other-reports/canadianwomengrabbingthebaton.pdf
- Peterson Institute for International Economics, Is Gender Diversity Profitable? (February 2016) http://www.iie.com/publications/wp/wp16-3.pdf
- Status of Women Canada/The Conference Board of Canada, The Business Case for Women on Boards http://www.conferenceboard.ca/documents/womenonboards_en.pdf
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Gender Equality, Striking a Better Balance: Alternative Federal Budget 2014, p. 85: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/afb2014chapters/Gender_Equality.pdf
- GARFIELD, C. F., & ISACCO, A. (2006). FATHERS AND THE WELL-CHILD VISIT, PEDIATRICS, 117, 637-645. As cited in The Fatherhood Project, retrieved on February 2, 2017, from: http://www.thefatherhoodproject.org/10-facts-about-father-engagement
- SARKADI, A., KRISTIANSSON, R., OBERKLAID, F., & BREMBERG, S. (2008). FATHERS’ INVOLVEMENT AND CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LONGITUDINAL STUDIES. ACTA PAEDIATRICA, 97(2), 153-158. As cited in The Fatherhood Project, retrieved on February 2, 2017, from: http://www.thefatherhoodproject.org/10-facts-about-father-engagement
- National Democratic Institute. Retrieved on February 2, 2017, from: https://www.ndi.org/what-we-do/gender-women-and-democracy
- Åshild Lappegård Lahn. Science Nordic. Gender Equality Gives Men Better Lives. October 17, 2015. Retrieved on February 2, 2017 from: http://sciencenordic.com/gender-equality-gives-men-better-lives