Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/988313
Heritage Matters 9 March sent a powerful message of women's empowerment that would have been all but unimaginable only a few generations ago. The event was led by Equal Voice, an organization aimed at increasing women's representation in elected offices in Canada. Such gatherings continued. In April, motivational speaker and champion of ethics in leadership Dr. Betsy McGregor joined me in convening Trailblazers and Pathmakers, a day-long gathering of 100 women students, professionals, leaders and activists from all walks of life. Everyone present contributed to meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing women in Ontario, fostering new cross-generational and interdisciplinary relationships. A virtual version of this exercise in November introduced me to students at Lakefield College School, and I was struck by how the students demonstrated a similar drive to give voice to the shared experiences of women and girls and to build a fully inclusive society that works for everyone. Global Compact Network Canada hosted a forum on gender equality in Toronto. It was heartening to see so many leaders in business, government and civil society come together to share strategies designed to empower women and girls and to advance gender equality, as embodied by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. All too often, girls and women find themselves in competition with each other. The initiative Changing the Game: Changing the Conversation, an Ontario 150 project led by Coaches Ontario, worked throughout the year to make worthwhile investments in Canada's sporting future by recruiting and supporting 250 women coaches. Sports are an opportunity to learn teamwork, and women coaches foster a sense of solidarity that will benefit players throughout their lives. The bonds built between athletes and their coaches will strengthen intergenerational ties. By fostering young women's long-term involvement in sport, a society that values and includes everyone moves closer into view. Trailblazers and Pathmakers participants gather in the Lieutenant Governor's Suite at Queen's Park.