International Women's Day: Progress and Challenges in Gender Wage Gap on full Display

On International Women's Day, female hockey players aim for the Professional Women's Hockey League while women push for gender equality.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, the spotlight shines on young female hockey players who are not only inspired by the Professional Women's Hockey League but are also setting their sights on reaching new heights.

Kendra Woodland, a goalie at the University of New Brunswick, is gearing up for the U Sports Women's Hockey championship tournament and is excited about the opportunities the PWHL offers female athletes. She emphasizes the significance of a professional league where women can earn a living doing what they love on a larger platform.

Assistant Coach Cassidy Hilworth, who played in the now-defunct Canadian Women's Hockey League, believes that the PWHL is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and successful league. The focus is on creating a lasting infrastructure that will support and empower female athletes for years to come.

Beyond the hockey rinks, women across various industries are pushing for gender equality this International Women's Day. The United Nations' theme of "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" underscores the importance of supporting and advancing women in all sectors.

A recent report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce sheds light on the disparities that still exist in the workforce. While women make up nearly half of the workforce, they hold only 35% of management positions and less than 25% of boardroom seats. The report also highlights the gender pay gap, with female managers earning 88 cents to every dollar earned by their male counterparts.

Marwa Abdou, the lead author of the report, points out the multiple barriers that women face in advancing their careers. She notes the existence of several glass ceilings and broken rungs in the promotion ladder that hinder women's progress in the workplace.

Nadia Barry Fuglstad, a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in the workplace. She encourages clients, especially women, to ask for raises during performance reviews and not to shy away from negotiating for fair compensation.

Natalie Frederick-Wilson, a former entrepreneur turned mentor, provides support and guidance to female entrepreneurs through the Centre for Women in Business. She understands the challenges women face in starting and growing their businesses and aims to equip them with the necessary resources and knowledge to succeed.

Jennifer Flanagan, the leader of Actua, a STEM education outreach organization, highlights the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. She stresses the importance of inspiring and engaging young girls and women in STEM careers to ensure they are not left behind in the rapidly advancing technological landscape.

As we reflect on International Women's Day, let us continue to support and empower women in all aspects of their lives, from sports to business to STEM fields. By investing in women and accelerating progress, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

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