March 8, International Women’s Day 2021

I was asked by the OGCA President, Giovanni Cautillo, to provide my thoughts on International Women’s Day (IWD) as he mused on how unqualified he felt to speak to this very important day. The theme of IWD 2021 is “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”

For me, what does International Women’s Day (IWD) represent?

Well, looking back, the first National Woman’s Day was held in in New York City in 1909 by the Socialist party of America. After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, March 8 became a national holiday and remains recognized to this day. In 1977, the United Nations (UN) recognized IWD and have celebrated it since then.

For millions of women, this day represents a focal point in the movement for women's rights. Recognition of International Women's Day today ranges from being a public holiday in some countries, to being largely ignored elsewhere. In some places, it comes with protest and repression; in others, it is a day that celebrates womanhood.

Fun Facts:
Did you know: 

• Women make up 51% of the Canadian population.
• Over 80% of women work outside of the home compared to men at 90.5%. 
• Still, in Canada, women make on average $0.74 on the dollar compared to our male colleagues. 
• That is 26% less than men, on average. 
• 58% of post secondary degrees are obtained by women, and elementary and secondary school girls do score well in Reading, Science, and Math. (Surprising stats about women in the workplace | Randstad Canada)

I am a mother, a wife, a sister, an auntie and a professional in the construction industry. How will I help forge a gender equal world?

I represent the League of Champions, and I am constantly proud to work with the incredible Safety Leaders in our industry. I unabashedly celebrate our combined achievements in construction, especially during COVID-19. I am committed to raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. I especially celebrate the achievement of women in this incredible industry. OGCA President Giovanni Cautillo asked me “what is that thing you always say?” I am now and will always be a “Supporter of My Local Girl Gang.”

I support a gender equal world. I celebrate the achievements of women and strive every day to increase their visibility. I will also call out inequality, because yes, it still exists here.

Throughout my career, I have not always had the pleasure of working with great women in positions of leadership. Some have encouraged, mentored, supported and worked hard to build up the women around them while many others have not. I have also been very fortunate to have strong men in my life who have also encouraged, mentored, and provided me with vast amounts of knowledge. For anyone who knows me, they know I prefer to fly under the radar. I’m never comfortable taking full credit for something when I know it takes a team. I am, however, thrilled to work alongside and champion the incredible women in the construction industry! They are apprentices, operators, skilled tradespeople, executives and owners.

Together, we are an innovative, brilliant, resilient and undeniably strong group of women.

Please join me, and take a moment to embrace International Women’s Day where we celebrate the collective achievements of women, be it social, economic, cultural or political. It doesn't end on International Women's Day: today is the day where our awareness begins.

#ChooseToChallenge

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the League of Champions, please contact me directly at judith@theloc.ca or by telephone at 905.671.3969 x 7.