Humber College celebrates International Women’s Day
Women are leaders
Women lead in colleges and university enrollments and graduates, making up 57% of all students enrolled in university undergraduates in 2012. Women now make up more than 47% of the Canadian workforce and are working in increasingly diverse fields. In 2009, more than 51% of those employed in business and finance were women, as well as more than 55% of doctors, dentists and health professionals. In 2013, 35.7% of those in managerial positions were women, up from just over 30% in 1987. Women are also making gains in the political arena. The 41st session of the Parliament of Canada included a record number of women members – a total of 77 or 25%.
Women are role models
Every day, women are excelling in all fields, including business, politics, science, academia, media, the arts and sport. By recognizing women's successes, we can inspire young people to pursue their dreams and fulfil their highest potential. As we celebrate International Women's Day, we also acknowledge that challenges remain. A significant number of women and girls around the world continue to face violence and poverty, and some are denied their basic human rights. Many struggle to participate fully in their communities.
In Canada
Too many women continue to live in poverty: Women comprise more than half of all people with low income in Canada. Aboriginal women, lone mothers, women with disabilities and recent immigrants experience higher rates of persistent low income than other Canadians.
Violence against women and girls remains a serious issue: Research shows that just being a young woman is a risk factor for violence. For example, in 2011, rates of family violence against girls were 56% higher than for boys. In addition, some forms of intimate partner violence appear to be on the rise. In 2011, women were 11% more likely to be victims of sexual assault than in 2009, and they continue to be more likely to experience sexual and chronic forms of abuse from their intimate partner than men.
Despite being highly educated and experienced in business, Canadian women are under-represented at the highest levels of corporate Canada. In 2013, only 15.9% of directors at FP500 companies were women — 40% of these firms had no women directors at all.
These are just some of the barriers that affect the lives of girls and women every day.
It will take the actions of many to change this reality – and engaging youth is key. By acknowledging and learning about these inequalities with your students you can inspire action and create momentum for a more equitable and just society.