International Women’s Day: #BreaktheBias
Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8.
A day of strength, reflection, and promise for a brighter and prosperous future for women everywhere.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect, learn and celebrate the incredible progress that women have made in establishing gender equality in their homes, workplaces, industries, etc.
For 2022, the International Women’s Day theme focuses on breaking the bias.
This theme asks you to imagine a gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where differences do not set you apart, but bring you together.
In honour of this year’s theme, we would like to highlight the women that our CMHA Calgary staff look up to as inspiration, as well as see as examples of breaking the bias.
Jennifer
Can you please tell me about a woman that inspires you, and why?
It’s hard to name just one. We are surrounded by womxn who are courageous, speak their truth, fight for basic rights, seek new and interesting innovations, and so much more. I have lived and worked alongside many strong, intellectual, and decisive womxn.
One who stands out is my former director. Besides being funny, nurturing, and kind, she relentlessly fought to ensure the rights of caregivers [in continuing care roles] were met, educational needs and placements were available, and that long-term care centres and other places of work fairly accommodated their workers.
What actions do they take to break the bias?
As an Asian-Canadian woman, I applaud all the actions taken to break biases around us every day. It’s wonderful to read books by authors like Xiran Jay Zhao who bravely put themselves out there to break the mold.
With my former director, she returned to school while working full-time in her mid-50s. While returning to school at any age shouldn’t shock anyone, news of this was always met with surprise and there is an idea that formal education equates to success. She maintained that anyone could do anything at any stage in their life.
What is something that they have taught you that resonates with you?
In her professional and personal life, she maintained a light-hearted outlook while working tirelessly and enjoying a robust personal life. Her role as a mentor and as a friend taught me to stay true to myself and continue to forge ahead. She taught me to believe in the strength in others and in myself.
Phil
Can you please tell me about a woman that inspires you, and why?
My sister, Kim, has always been an inspiration to me. In addition to being my protector and rescuer my whole life, she has an unparalleled work ethic. She convocated at the top of her department twice, both in the Faculty of Management and in the Faculty of Law. She articled at the Supreme Court of Canada with Justice Major and has since gone on to an amazing and fulfilling career. She is also an amazing mother to three children and a great partner to her husband.
What actions do they take to break the bias?
Kim works to break the bias not only against women, but against many groups. She sits on the board of a mental health organization in the city, working as an advocate for those with mental health struggles. She is also active in ensuring the LGBTQ+ community is able to participate safely and equally in sport, working with Right to Play and implementing safeguards at COP. As a woman, she has never let the glass ceiling influence her decisions or opportunities, going after any opportunity that she wants.
What is something that they have taught you that resonates with you?
To work hard and not apologize for who you are. Also, to help those who need it when you’re able to do so.
Azucena
Can you please tell me about a woman that inspires you, and why?
Since I was a small child I learned stories of a group of women all over Mexico that fought in the Mexican Revolution of 1920. These women were called Soldaderas or Adelitas. What made them my inspiration is that these women challenge the sexist gender roles of the time and culture and took a non-traditional profession as a soldier and demonstrated to be an actual force in the revolution against oppression from the Spanish dictatorship.
What actions do they take to break the bias?
They broke the bias of gender roles stereotypes and gender quality in an era where women did not have a voice.
What is something that they have taught you that resonates with you?
That there is an inhered strength in all women and this makes us warriors.
Natalie
Can you please tell me about a woman that inspires you, and why?
My grandmother is a huge inspiration to me. She was incredibly selfless, resilient, and patient which I appreciated in her and strive to embody in myself.
What actions do they take to break the bias?
She was someone that continuously encouraged me to accomplish anything I wanted in my life regardless of any barriers or gender role expectations. She was one of my biggest motivators and loudest cheerleaders. She was the person that helped me to find my own voice and stand-up for what I believe in.
What is something that they have taught you that resonates with you?
To always be authentic to who I am.
Elizabeth
Can you please tell me about a woman that inspires you and why?
Christine Margaret Sinclair – a Canadian soccer player. She inspires me for many reasons. She is the most successful Canadian female soccer player with the longest active (and brightest) career. She is a strong advocate for women in sports and investment in the women’s game; I read that one of her goals is to establish a Canadian professional women’s league. She leads by example and humility, and always puts everyone else first.
What actions do they take to break the bias?
She started gaining a place when she debuted as a 16-year-old for the Canadian women’s team in 2000, and she has been an instrumental part of it for 21 years. Her 187 goals (the most of any international female player), 304 caps and now third Olympic medal put Sinclair in a league of her own.
Christine has sought to inspire young girls across the country to become part of the next generation of players who will make up the Canadian national team.
She is a warrior and changemaker, working hard since she was 16 to break the stigma of a women’s soccer player and win a place in the soccer industry. She has created a precedent to change and engage Canadians to make a difference by investing in women’s sports with her leadership and achievement.
What is something that they have taught you that resonates with you?
Self-motivation, to continue learning and mastering your skills by leading by example and inspiring the team to victory. Preparing, never giving up and improving as much as necessary. Putting your team first, trusting, and guiding them towards reaching their potential.
Here’s to the women—past, present, and future—for demonstrating strength, resiliency, and power throughout our history.
#BreakTheBias
Our Peer Support program services can be accessed over the phone at 403-297-1402 or through email at peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca. We have teamed up with other Calgary agencies to help Calgarians quickly and easily access various counselling and social supports. Visit www.communityconnectyyc.ca, where you can book online for our Suicide Bereavement and Family Support Counselling, and other supports. If you prefer to still book through us, please phone (403-297-1708), or email (counsellingintake@cmha.calgary.ab.ca).