Every year on March 8th, millions take International Women’s Day (IWD) to reflect on the progress made by women around the world, and celebrate the courage and determination that continue to inspire generations of women leaders. These Canadian business owners share their insights on how they, and those around them, are working to create an inclusive and gender-equal world.
Jenny HoJaiho Accessories
International Women’s Day is a day we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women towards gender equality. To me, it is celebrating and recognizing the efforts of the women around me from my past and in my present, who have helped shape my life and career. It’s about remembering the struggles of my grandmothers’ generation as they fought to voice their opinions and find their place in a patriarchal society, so that I’m not afraid to speak up to my male counterparts today.
This day is also a reminder of the battles my mom fought as an immigrant woman of an ethnic minority, struggling to raise three children as a single mother while working three jobs, and eventually becoming a business owner in Canada so that I was able to have the confidence to launch my own small business. And it is also a day we celebrate sisterhood – and remember that empowered women prop each other up, and we will continue to show up to break glass ceilings and speak up against all inequality.
And it is also a day we celebrate sisterhood – and remember that empowered women prop each other up.
Women have made such great strides in closing the gender parity in many parts of the world. But there is still much work to be done ahead of us. It is important to involve all genders in the conversation when discussing gender equality issues. I will continue to advocate for gender equality and have an open dialogue with everyone around me. In the small business community – the impact of a gender-equal world means creating an environment for a more equitable representation of women-owned businesses, and women in influential decision-making, leadership positions.
To help close the gap and continue to make stride towards a gender-equal world, a portion of all of Jaiho Accessories’ March sales will be donated to Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter for International Women’s Day. I believe that the first step towards creating gender equality is making sure women are safe from domestic violence.
When more women ascend to leadership roles, they become role models to girls and other women – and empower others around them to pave the way toward gender equality.
To me, International Women’s Day is a day to take pause and reflect on all the incredible women who have come before us, who have paved the way for a brighter future. This day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality to create a brighter future for all beings.
The women’s rights movement is far from over, but the momentum right now feels stronger than I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. Moreover, having two young wide eyed daughters (ages 4 & 6) by my side has made this cause of exponentially greater importance to me, so I’m eager to support this momentum and make an impact, this year and beyond.
The women’s rights movement is far from over, but the momentum right now feels stronger than I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime.
As a woman in business for the past 17 years, I have experienced both the impact of extreme gender inequalities as well as the lasting power of many strong female leaders that blazed before me.
As I continue to build my own small business, which is just under 7 years young, I am driven to pave the way for future female leaders by providing an example of what is possible, opening doors and shattering ceilings for ALL beings, and building a team that genuinely values Inclusivity and diversity.
In addition, today I have a platform (two brands, B Yoga & Halfmoon) which allows me to support this cause with broader reach than ever before. I do not take this lightly. I’m fortunate to have a team behind me, raising awareness of female change-makers and their causes, and funding female focused foundations – among other causes.
Ayanna Lee RivearsSocacize Fitness
International Women’s Day makes me reflect on the strides that women have made in society, and the roles that they are now able to fill, such as vice presidents, CEOs, pastors, technology leaders, and so on. I think about my own independence and growth as a Black business owner. Through causes such Me Too and Black Lives Matter, women are standing up for their rights and the rights of each other while confronting issues that degrade women.
I personally have been extremely grateful to experience the benefits of working with some very strong and talented women. I’ve seen what we can accomplish when we work together by lifting each other up and rise through challenges.
I believe I can help by paying forward and sharing the knowledge I have received over the 12 years of being in business. I personally have been extremely grateful to experience the benefits of working with some very strong and talented women. I’ve seen what we can accomplish when we work together by lifting each other up and rise through challenges.
The programs that I created and stand strongly by, support and empower women to deal with the pressures of perfection, hence the reason for my organization’s program,“F.L.A.U.N.T.” It’s our philosophy and stands for: Feel good, Look good, Attitude, Unleash, Nice up yourself, Take time for you. I believe this way of life has helped many women to keep moving, feeling confident, and strong.
I would also like to provide a mentorship program for women wanting to start their own business. I believe it’s important to connect women to opportunities that they’re well suited for, and encourage them to pursue those opportunities. Building small business communities that are diverse and in which women are encouraged and supported is a critical step to progress.
Keira MorganHandsome&Lace
International Women’s Day means more than just a day to celebrate women. It represents how far we’ve come, and recognizes how many women have struggled to get here without feeling shame for how loud and determined they were. Some women who inspire me are Harriet Tubman and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The bravery these women displayed when they had to face injustice – in spite of being in a world where being outspoken wasn’t exactly welcomed – is just so admirable. They are two separate worlds but the fight these women fought is simply of magical, fist-pumping beauty.
More and more women are speaking out in everyday life, and I feel a part of them when they do. Like instant unity, we have to be strong, direct, and stand together. I admire women who know who they are and fight for the right thing.
More and more women are speaking out in everyday life, and I feel a part of them when they do. Like instant unity, we have to be strong, direct, and stand together. I admire women who know who they are and fight for the right thing.
I think deep down we all want to feel like everything is going to be alright, and slowly but surely we’ll see change in the right direction, although there will be setbacks. I think women will come out on top, with more women in leadership roles, to the point where it’s not a big deal every time a woman is elected into government. It’s amazing to feel the joy when it happens, but we feel that only because everything is still so unequal.
I support equality by creating a range of designs for everyone, no matter what they identify as. Recently, it made me emotional when I was asked to make Ruth Ginsberg face masks that became a hit with both men and women. This shows that she has impacted so many people, across all genders.
The more allies we have, the better! I also encourage those that identify as he/him to do their best to embrace the power of women! Learn from women, listen to women; encourage the women in your life to be strong and speak up. Let people be who they want to be!
Supporting International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a celebration of the achievement of women and their influence to bring about social, economic, political and cultural changes that promote a gender equal society.
At Purolator, we’re proud to be the recipient of the Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures of 2019 – Enterprise and Best Talent Management Strategy 2019 (Canadian HR Awards) awards. Additionally, our 2019 MyVoice survey results indicated that 76 per cent of our people agreed that Purolator is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees. While this is positive feedback, we recognize there is still more work to be done and we are committed to ensuring our employees feel empowered to share in these opportunities and help shape our company to support their needs.
Note: Opinions and content contained in these submissions are those of the contributors only; and not those of Purolator.