Celebrating Gender Equality Week through conversation
The Voice of Canada News:
This week, the City of Brampton celebrated Gender Equality Week through conversation.
The team had meaningful discussions on the important contributions that women and gender-diverse communities have made to the growth, development, character and identity of our own community and across Canada.
Over the last few days, we spoke with leaders across our organization on what gender equality means to them personally, the most pressing issues related to gender equality, what gives them hope for the future, and what we can do both individually and collectively to achieve change that creates a more equal and inclusive world.
Here’s what they said:
On what gender equality means to them:
“To answer this question, I think it is appropriate to quote Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former US Supreme Court Justice, who recently passed away and was an inspiration for many, including myself. For me, equality means:
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception”.
Gender equality means that women are at the table when decisions are being made at home, at work, in education, in government.”- Clare Barnett, Director, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“When all of us regardless of our gender, color or background, physical appearance and financial backgrounds are given equal opportunities and challenges to play in the same sand box”- Sunny Kalkat, Director, Internal Audit, City of Brampton
On gender equality’s most pressing issues:
“The prevalence of gender bias is the most pressing issue related to gender equality. It is so pervasive and entrenched in our culture that all genders believe in the superiority of the male gender and because of that gender bias, women themselves consciously or unconsciously discriminate against other women when evaluating each other on competence and deservingness of career success.”- Sandeep Aujla, Director, Human Resources, City of Brampton
“Though there are long term systemic issues such as pay equity, I think am most concerned today about the impact of Covid 19 on women in the economy.
We know that COVID 19 has had a significant and disproportionate impact on women in the economy. Many are calling it a she-cession that needs a she-covery. Women’s participation in the labour force is at a record low. Everything gained over the past 40 years can be lost if not addressed. We know many women left their jobs to take are of their families when schools closed. We know women entrepreneurs are in sectors that were greatly impacted by Covid as well, such as retail and service sectors. This needs to be a national conversation to ensure there are programs to support women entrepreneurs. This needs to be a provincial conversation to ensure safe child care opens and stays open so women can get back to their jobs. This has to be a concerted effort.”- Clare Barnett, Director, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“Currently with the effects of COVID-19, the outbreak exacerbates existing inequalities from health and the economy to an increase in violence against women and girls.”- Kim Kane, Deputy Fire Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services
On influencing change:
“For all women:
Take your place. Own the space. Always do it with style, humour, smarts and grace. It isn’t easy so persevere and bring others with you. You will convince others through being.
For allies:
Nudge the women around you. Remind them that they belong at the table. Make space. If you believe in “doing good”, you know that women belong there and there are more than enough qualified women who deserve to be there.
For naysayers:
I’m still not sure what you are scared of. If you do the homework and read the research, having more women improves decision making, quality of ideas and solutions, and implementation. So what’s the big deal? Geez. Get over it already.”- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton
“Gender equality means the equality of responsibilities and access to opportunity regardless of gender. When we start to see every person as a person, not a gender, and not making an assumption about someone’s ability, that is when we will see change.”- Charmaine Williams, City Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton
“Start by examining the source of our judgments, attitudes, and behaviours. Explore the influences that have shared the aforementioned and then critically appraise how those influences may be reinforcing gender bias for you.”- Sandeep Aujla, Director, Human Resources, City of Brampton
“For me it’s opening up new doors of equality in leadership. I believe when women are given more opportunity to lead the outcome will surpass the common expectations of those who have been in leadership for centuries.”- Gwyn Chapman, Sr Advisor, Black Social, Cultural, Economic Empowerment, Anti-Black Racism Unit
“Talk about personal experiences, discuss how to make a difference and take action. Have the conversation with our children of the future that any gender is capable of achieving their goals when pursued with focus.”- Kamal Birdi, Digital Innovation Advisor, City of Brampton
“Awareness, acknowledgement, education and action; the formula for change.”- Allyson Sander, Property Standards Officer, City of Brampton
On hope and progress:
“Greta Thunberg, Michelle O’Bama, Jacinda Ardem, AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), my son Lennon, my nieces, and so many other women and allies persevering with their words and action.”- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton
“What gives me hope in that we’re progressing is seeing independent and strong women of diverse backgrounds exceling in non-traditional occupations and seeing confidence in the younger generation.”- Kamal Birdi, Digital Innovation Advisor, City of Brampton
“Women are determined more than ever to empower themselves and fight fearlessly for their rights to have a seat at the table where decisions of consequence are made.”- Gwyn Chapman, Sr Advisor, Black Social, Cultural, Economic Empowerment, Anti-Black Racism Unit
On who inspires them:
“My children inspire me, to me, gender equality starts at home, I set the example and shape the way for their generation.”- Kim Kane, Deputy Fire Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services
“My daughter who is a CPA and a lawyer from Harvard Law School. She passed her Law program with distinction and was offered five positions with some of the best firms from all over USA. She chose to work for an NGO named Reprieve in San Francisco and England. I see her everyday fight for other people, promoting equality and justice. She inspired me a lot.”-Sunny Kalkat, Director, Internal Audit, City of Brampton
“I’ve been blessed to have innumerable incredible women role models. However, my mom has made the greatest imprint on my values and aspirations to imagine and contribute to a world that values and seeks gender equality.”- Sandeep Aujla, Director, Human Resources, City of Brampton
“Our very own councillors, Charmaine Williams and Rowena Santos’ have inspired me both at work and in the community. From attending panel discussions, to the work I’ve seen accomplished in the community (Including this year’s International Women’s Day), I’ve seen their passion to celebrate trail blazing women and the mosaic that enriches our local community resonate with residents and beyond. Their dedication for advocacy and education is admirable and facilitates much needed conversations for change.”- Allyson Sander, Property Standards Officer, City of Brampton
