#iwd2024

In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re using today’s conversation to take a closer look at women’s rights, and what is being done to elevate women’s voices from all over Canada.

Joining us in today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham is Shari Graydon, an award-winning author, speaker, print and broadcast columnist, and advocate for women’s rights. She is also the founder of Informed Opinions, a social mission project that seeks to amplify the voices of women and gender-diverse people to ensure that their experiences and insights help shape a more equitable and inclusive Canada.

In today's conversation with Shari, we delve into the current state of the media landscape in Canada, the progress that has been made in terms of gender, diversity, and representation, and what still needs to change. She tells us about the various initiatives that Informed Opinions have undertaken, their impact on women's lives and the conditions that motivated them to step into the political sphere. Shari also shares her recommendations for the media on how to improve gender equality, along with her advice to organizations on how to foster gender equality in the workplace. Be sure to tune in to hear all of Shari's thought-provoking insights, the urgent work being done by Informed Opinions, and much more!

Key points from this episode:

• Taking a moment to honour International Women’s Day.
• Introducing today’s guest Shari Graydon, founder of Informed Opinions.
• Shari’s hopes for the future of gender equality.
• The experiences that led to her becoming a fierce advocate for gender equality.
• Examining the difference between equality and equity through a gender lens.
• Reflections on the media landscape in Canada concerning diversity, gender, and representation; the progress that’s been made, and what still needs to change.
• Details on the Gender Gap Tracker: its benefits and shortcomings.
• The mission behind Shari’s organization, Informed Opinions, and the work that they do.
• An overview of their new campaign, Balance the Power, and how you can get involved.
• Examples of how women’s lives have been changed by Informed Opinions.
• Helping women step out of imposter syndrome, and why you don’t have to be “the best candidate” to share your informed opinion.
• Shari’s recommendations for the media on trying to improve gender equality.
• Advice on how organizations can improve gender equality in the workplace.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Shari Graydon
• Shari Graydon on LinkedIn
• Shari Graydon on X
• Informed Opinions
• Gender Gap Tracker
• Equal Voice
• Balance the Power
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Explore the roots and relevance of International Women's Day with your favorite trainers. Together, we celebrate the monumental advances while casting a critical eye on current challenges. Our discussion commemorates the bravery of early activists and the significant leaps forward, while also acknowledging the persistence of inequality in areas like politics, healthcare, and the economy.

As we dissect the gender gaps that stubbornly linger in today's society, the discussion uncovers the roots of these disparities and the societal constructs that sustain them. We navigate the intricate web of family influences, educational systems, and societal pressures that shape gender roles, and how these factors can be reformed to foster a world where women's contributions are equally valued. This episode isn't just an homage to the victories of the past; it's a clarion call for ongoing action—a reminder that the quest for parity demands our collective, everyday dedication. Join us for a potent mix of celebration, reflection, and motivation, and remember, every step toward gender equality is a step toward a more just and inclusive world.