Public Affairs Research and Policy Advisor
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s a day for me to show appreciation for the incredible women in my life, personally and professionally, and celebrate their traits like intelligence, creativity, compassion, self-reflection, and ambition.
It’s also a day to take stock of what is happening at a global level. How are women being impacted from Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine to regressing women’s rights in Iran? These questions are questions are heavy. I recommend doing what you can, with what you have. And then challenging yourself to do a little more.
Millions of women in 2024 will not be able to celebrate IWD because of active war or living in incredibly suppressive regimes. So naturally, that puts a bit of a responsibility on people not in those situations. Ultimately, I am thankful for this international day, and the strong people out there who are using their voices and power.
What has been the greatest achievement in your career?
Working with a small group of GR and Policy people from energy companies across Ontario to positively impact the outcome of a recent Bill, so as to keep costs lower for families and businesses.
Why is it important to #InspireInclusion and to continue to work towards gender equality?
Everyone, no matter their gender, can be recognized for their unique combination of “gifts” and how they contribute at work and in society. An inclusive environment means we don’t need to pretend we are all the same, rather we aim to find unique solutions to barriers, and we think about what each individual has/wants to offer to a given situation. When we are supported in recognizing our distinct talents we can best direct our own energy and work on gender equality.
I don’t know if there will ever be an end to working on gender equality or human rights broadly. Power dynamics are not static and change hands. Activism is a way to try and calibrate the power imbalance.