What Can We Do Better?
Author: Darlene Clattenburg
September 21, 2025
Every year, from September 21 to 27, Canada observes Gender Equality Week—a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made, the challenges that remain, and the steps we can take, individually and collectively, to close the gap.
Equality is not just a buzzword; it’s the foundation for stronger families, healthier communities, and thriving businesses. Yet, even in 2025, we’re still facing barriers. Women—especially women of color, Indigenous women, newcomers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities—are often underrepresented in leadership roles, underpaid in the workforce, and undervalued in industries where they are the backbone.
So, what can we do better?
1. Normalize Equal Pay and Transparency:
Equal work deserves equal pay. Sounds simple, right? But wage gaps persist. Businesses—big and small—can commit to wage transparency, regularly reviewing pay scales to ensure fairness. As consumers, we can support organizations that openly value pay equity.
2. Invest in Women Entrepreneurs:
Canada is full of ambitious women starting small businesses, from tech to beauty to service industries. These entrepreneurs often face greater challenges accessing funding or mentorship. Supporting their ventures—whether by shopping local, booking their services, or recommending them to others—goes beyond a transaction. It’s an investment in gender equality.
3. Encourage Work-Life Balance for All Genders:
Caregiving shouldn’t be a women-only responsibility. Normalizing parental leave for fathers and encouraging flexible work for all helps dismantle the old mindset that domestic duties are “women’s work.” Equality in the workplace starts at home.
4. Create Safer Work and Community Spaces:
Gender equality includes feeling safe—in workplaces, schools, and communities. That means taking harassment seriously, believing survivors, and building cultures of respect. True equality cannot exist without safety and dignity.
5. Mentor, Train, and Lift Each Other Up:
One of the most powerful ways to support equality is through mentorship. Sharing knowledge, opening doors, and pulling others up with you helps build a future where leadership looks more diverse. As the saying goes: When women support women, incredible things happen.
6. Speak Up and Stay Informed:
Equality doesn’t happen in silence. We need to question outdated systems, call out bias when we see it, and advocate for inclusive policies. Education and awareness fuel action.
Why it matters:
Gender equality is not just a “women’s issue.” It’s a Canadian issue. A human issue. A stronger, fairer, and more prosperous future depends on it. During Gender Equality Week, let’s move beyond hashtags and lip service and ask ourselves:
👉 What can I do—today, in my home, in my workplace, in my community—to help level the playing field?
Because the truth is, change doesn’t happen in one week of the year. It happens every day we choose equality over silence
