A great week in our nation's capital

Last week was full-on for the Equal Voice team in our capital! We kicked off our busy week with a (belated) International Women’s Day reception, where we shared highlights from recent research about how Canadians, specifically young women, perceive politics today with our 200 guests. Karen Brown, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, our primary sponsor, spoke of their commitment to the role and place of education in our democracy and promoting the role of women in public life. We were thrilled to be joined by all political parties that evening, with a number of special guests including:

Hon. Marci Ien Minister for Women and Gender Equality, MP Anna Roberts Shadow Minister for Seniors and Status of Women, Standing Committee on the Status of Women MPs - Karen Vecchio (Chair), Andreanne Larouche (Vice-Chair) and Elizabeth May, co-leader of the Green Party.  

As always, it was wonderful to have the support of male colleagues as allies/supporters, as well as a number of Senators. A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting our annual International Women’s Day On-the-Hill Celebration. 

Ottawa was also buzzing with two major policy conversations: the Canada Strong & Free Network Conference and the Progress Summit (hosted by the Broadbent Institute | Institut Broadbent). Equal Voice is deeply committed to seeing Canadians participate in shaping the ideas, policies and politics of the day. Attending both events was a powerful way to hear the hopes of the day and to connect with those with policy solutions for the challenges we face. While each conference reflected the diversity of the political spectrum, it was clear how much Canadians want to work together to strengthen our country. Hearing and learning through shared stories proved an excellent way to find common ground and connection. 

Another important national conversation took place at Rideau Hall, hosted by Her Excellency Governor General Mary Simon on the topic of online harassment and hate. Her Excellency spoke courageously and candidly about her experiences of online abuse as an Inuit woman after being sworn in and the impact on her office and family. We want to see powerful communities built across the country in digital spaces - but there is still much more to do to ensure that our actions online,and off, equally reflect the civil, open society that Canadians hold dear. Too much of what happens in digital discourse critically lacks empathy and the social cues that face-to-face connection allows. When I think about how these concerns influence women and gender-diverse people’s decision whether to engage in public dialogue and leadership, it is clear that GG Simon and her team’s choice of #WeDeserveBetter was the perfect phrase to bring attention and encourage interaction on this issue.

These events crystallised for us just how important it is that we actively listen and learn from each other. Diverse perspectives and ideas support resilience and growth–for all. Equal Voice is proud to be part of these conversations and to advocate for women and gender-diverse people to have equally significant opportunities to participate in building our communities.