Inclusivity For All Women

The first Black woman was just named to the Supreme Court of the United States. It’s a major milestone for women in traditionally male institutions, but there is still a long way to go in everyday settings.

At Winchesters, we work with the CCDI (Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion) to advance diversity in the workplace. Our latest workshop was on women in the workplace. There is still disparity between the rights held by women and men in the workplace, Winchesters HR Consultant Zane Iseman says. Some women, for example, Indigenous and Women of Colour, have to face an added layer of scrutiny and judgement. The inclusivity of all women is still a work in progress and inequality in the workplace is still very much an ongoing problem. But people can be allies by opening the door to those uncomfortable conversations, Zane says.

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable”, he says. “Being an ally to the women in your workplace can be offering a listening ear to learn more about the problems they may face and supporting their voices instead of interjecting your own”.

There are multiple problems that contribute to the gender inequalities as seen in workplaces such as the gender wage gap, the shortage of leadership roles for women, workplace harassment, and the stigmatized mentalities that result in lack of opportunities, status, and underrepresentation.

“We need to make sure that everyone is given the opportunity to flourish,” Zane says. “By not funding female education in developing countries, highlighting programs for scholarships, and not addressing the shortage of women leadership roles…we are missing out on brilliant people”.