gender parity

Penny MacWhirter, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER: – On March 8, the community was invited to the Chandler marina in recognition of International Day of Women’s Rights. The 43 participants were encouraged to reflect on the day with 8 minutes of silence. 

The event was organized by Annie-Michèle Babin and co-organizer Jenny Tardif. “It was an invitation to not remain silent in the face of injustice,” says Ms. Tardif. At the event she told participants “Today’s silence is full of meaning, not lost to words, but is rather a powerful declaration of our common engagement to do battle against injustices. This gathering is a battle against the injustice of disinformation carried out against the people of the United States and the world, lies that wash like waves from the corrupt and arrogant Trump-Musk administration. Each second of our time of silence will help us reflect on the injustices, suffering and disappearances that all too often are the fate of women. Our silence will not be empty; each second will be full of hope and collective energy.”

Ms. Tardif’s role at the event was to represent the APTS (Alliance of Health and Social Services Professionals and Technicians). She hopes that collective power and determination will “build a future where each girl and each woman can live in safety, with dignity and respect.” 

The APTS represents over 65,000 members, who play an essential role in the smooth running of the network’s establishments, offering a multitude of services in the fields of diagnosis, rehabilitation, nutrition, psychosocial intervention, clinical support and prevention. “We are a union made up of 86% women, so it was important for our organization to be present for the cause, but also as a union,” adds Ms. Tardiff. 

Strength in every story

The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is Strength in every story.  “This year’s theme highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of all women, particularly those who continue to face barriers to success. Creating opportunities for women and girls unlocks their potential and drives innovation, supports Canada’s economy, and helps ensure a sustainable future for all,” states the Government of Canada website.   To learn about the Women who have made an impact in Canada, visit: www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/women-impact.html. 

In your daily life, you can help by calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women’s successes, and empowering others by sharing your knowledge. 

Although great strides have been made in gender equality, there is still a long way to go. According data from the World Economic Forum, gender parity won’t be reached until 2158, which is five generations from now.  

Timeline in Canada: 

1903: Emma Baker is the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from a Canadian University.

1916: Women in Manitoba become the first Canadian women to vote in a provincial election.

1918: Some women are granted the right to vote in federal elections.

1921: Agnes Macphail is the first woman elected to the House of Commons

1929: Following work by Famous Five, women are included in the definition of “persons”.

1971: The position of Minister responsible for the Status of Women is created.

1976: Roberta Jamieson becomes the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a law degree.

1981: Canada ratifies the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

1982: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is signed, it includes “sex” as one of the prohibited grounds for discrimination. 

1983: Bill C-127 makes sexual assault (and rape) within the context of marriage a crime. 

1985: Bill C-31 makes changes to Indian Act, including the reinstatement of Indian status for women who lost it through marriage.

1991: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in established.

1993: Kim Campbell becomes first woman to serve as Canadian Prime Minister.

1996: “Canadian Human Rights Act is amended to include “sexual orientation.”

2001: Canadian Human Rights Commission recommends a proactive pay equity system.

2005: Standing Committee on the Status of Women is established.

2015: An equal number of men and women are appointed to the Cabinet for the first time.  The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is launched.

2017: Strategy is launched to prevent and address gender-based violence.  

2018: Gender equality week is celebrated for the first time. Pay Equity Act is adopted.

2019: National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking is launched.