As we celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th, we continue to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. This celebration follows YW’s 13th annual YWHISPER Gala on March 6th, which featured a powerful keynote and panel discussion with Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw. Against this backdrop of recognition and empowerment, it’s important to address the persistent myths that continue to shape perceptions and treatment of women in society. By examining and dispelling these myths, we can work toward a more equitable future where women’s contributions and capabilities are fully recognized and valued.
International Women’s Day is an important time to highlight the history of gender inequity, understand what is happening today, and reflect on how we can move forward in making positive change in the lives of women and gender diverse individuals. At the 13th annual YWHISPER Gala, Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw reminded us that if you are not moving forward and making progress, you are moving backward – there is no standing still in the movement toward gender equity.
MYTH: Why are we talking about this issue in Canada? We’re one of the leaders in gender equity around the world.
When looking at the Global Gender Gap Index, there is certainly room for growth. While Canada’s highest rank is in women attaining education (sharing first place with 21 other countries), Canada is more middle-of-the-road for active participation in the workforce, ranking 43 out of 146 countries. When it comes to assessing Health and Survival metrics, Canada ranks 94 out of 146 to disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare services for women. While Canada has made strides in education, there is still considerable work to be done in improving women’s economic participation and health outcomes.
MYTH: Women now make as much as men in Canada anyway.
Not only does a gender wage gap in Canada persist with women earning roughly 88 cents for every dollar men earn, the gap widens when understanding equity seeking groups. Canadian born women have the narrowest gap to men, earning approximately 91 cents on the dollar compared to Canadian born men. The gap widens for Indigenous women, who earn 80 cents on the dollar, and for women who immigrated to Canada as adults who earn 79 cents on the dollar.
MYTH: All women in Canada have access to reproductive health services.
Not only do women constantly have to hear regular opposition to the very idea that we should be in control of our own reproductive choices, but women’s access to reproductive health services changes dramatically depending on geographic locations. Access to reproductive health services is more challenging for those living in rural and remote areas. We also see discriminatory practices persist within the healthcare system, which sees compounded challenges for Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, as well as gender and sexually diverse communities and those living with disabilities.
MYTH: If there’s an International Women’s Day, why isn’t there an International Men’s Day?
This is a question many folks tend to ask on International Women’s Day. Although the tone of this question can sometimes be facetious, it’s a great question! There is, in fact, International Men’s Day on November 19th highlighting important conversations important to men’s mental health and other topics. Multiple media sources have reported that it receives the highest number of internet searches on March 8th of each year.
By dispelling these myths, we open the door to a more honest conversation about gender equality. Understanding the reality behind these misconceptions is not just about correcting false information, it’s about creating space for meaningful change.
Now that we have examined these persistent myths, let’s focus on concrete actions we can all take to advance equity and end gender discrimination in our communities, workplaces, and daily lives.
Calls to Action
Champion equity within your organization
Within your own organizations – so much progress can be made at moving the needle on gender equity when business and organizational leaders and Board members decide to take action within their own teams. Organizations can voluntarily seek resources to help address unconscious biases in their hiring practices, salary negotiation for employees, promotion processes, and Board selection.
Advocate for Policy Change
Raise your voice to government representatives about the importance of gender-specific resources relating to women’s social and economic opportunities. Advocate for the importance of ensuring affordable childcare systems remain in place across this country to allow more parents to have more options when it comes to working while raising young children – which disproportionately still falls to women.
Speak Up, Stand together
Men’s AND women’s voices are important to change the status quo within your workplaces and spheres of influence. Gender equity advancements for women do not need to mean there is somehow “less” of anything for men. This is not a zero-sum game, but rather a reflection on how we can grow opportunities for ALL individuals, recognizing that everyone is starting from different places and up against different barriers.
Creating an Equitable World
By challenging these myths and embracing the truth, we can create a more inclusive, empowered world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive—not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. We will continue to advocate and speak out for women’s equity and the fundamental right to make their own choices, ensuring that progress never stops.
