It’s International Women’s Day and we’re celebrating with a Q & A with the ladies of STRIDE…
What’s a stereotype or an assumption of women that you’d like to see change?
Laurel: That sticking up for ourselves or being assertive is bad, often being labeled as “bossy,” “crazy,” or “aggressive.” While similar behaviour in men seems to be labeled as “strong” or “confident.” I hope to see many more strong, confident women in the future.
Joanne: The message to girls that physical appearance holds more value than achievements or character. Social media and mainstream media have only exacerbated the issue. We all have a personal responsibility to change the narrative.
Jodi: That women aren’t funny. That a woman being direct is “emotional” or “crazy.” That women don’t deserve to be paid the same as a man to do the same job. That women who decide not to have children are “selfish.” That women don’t deserve to be in control over making decisions about their own bodies. That women are “asking for it.” That women are “gold-diggers.” I could go on and on!
Brenda: That women are the weaker sex. That they can’t be powerful leaders and just as or even more successful than men.
Connie: That women are not smart enough or strong enough or emotionally stable enough to take on jobs that have been held in the past only by men.
Halee: That women cannot or aren’t suppose to have muscular bodies. “Muscular women look gross or manly.”
What woman (non-relative) inspires you and why?
Brenda: Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She was small in stature, but large in legacy. She was the second women ever to serve on the United States Supreme Court. She was a leading voice for gender equality, women’s interests, and civil rights.
Joanne: Dr. Jane Goodall, for many reasons. She has blazed a trail for women in science and conservation. Dr. Goodall is an advocate for all living things and our planet and has a gentle, informative approach. Through @janegoodallinst, she also does outreach work and community-based conservation with communities and girls in third world countries.
Halee: Amanda Barnhart, Kara Saunders, and Tasia Percevecz. These ladies inspire me (I couldn’t pick just one) becasue they promote positive self worth and showcase how to balance individual lifestyle, exercise, careers and family. Each one of them inspires me to be the best version of myself. They show the true importance of how to positively influence the people you surround yourself with.
Connie: I don’t have one specific woman in mind, but just the women of
today – the Jodi Williams and Laurel Schafers of this world – who own and run successful businesses, are highly regarded in the community, by their clients and their staff, and are raising a family as well. It is these women who my granddaughters will look at and see that women can both work and have a family and not have to choose one or the other. (*aww, thanks, Connie!!**)
Laurel: Aleana Young. She has managed to balance being a new mother, business woman, and newly elected MLA. I believe we could all benefit from more women in leadership roles – Aleana is one of a group of women making this happen in multiple areas of her life.
Jodi: Layla F. Saad. She’s an author, educator, speaker, and podcaster. Her work on race, identity, leadership, personal transformation and social change should be required reading/listening for all of us.
What piece of advice would you give girls and young women today?
Connie: Don’t settle. When I was going to school, girls were not allowed to take farm mechanics class (or shop class) and boys were not allowed to take Home Economics classes (except for the baker’s son!). I would have loved to take shop so I could learn how to fix a car on my own. Girls were not encouraged to go after any job except ones that would be “appropriate” for a girl – so the nurse, the assistant, the secretary. When I was in my
late 40’s, I took a women’s carpentry class that was taught by the Comp School shop teacher. He was so amazed at how excited and enthusiastic our class was about building things. There were 10 other women who were like me – we had never had the opportunity when we were young to do this type of learning, because “it was for boys, not girls.” Who knows what different careers some of us may have chosen if we had been given the opportunity or encouragement.
Brenda: When someone tells you you can’t, tell yourself you can.
Joanne: Be kind and respectful, with yourself and others. Find an amazing role model and then be one.
Jodi: That you are not put on this Earth to make yourself small (and I’m not just talking about your jean size; although I mean that, too!). You are worthy of taking up space; with your body, with your ideas, with your voice.
Laurel: Put your time and effort into what truly matters to you — not what you think others or society demands of you.
Halee: Set goals, find independence, be confidence and be proud of person you are.
Name a man that inspires you that is doing his part for women’s equality?
Jodi: Andy Murray. This article explains.
Joanne: Any man that sees women as equals, will speak up or advocate for others when needed, and does not discriminate or make assumptions. This should be the norm and is pretty easy to do.
Brenda: Barack Obama
Name 2-3 women (or women-driven accounts) we should be following on social media.
Joanne: (Instagram) @gdigm; @jameelajamilofficial; @i_weigh; @canadianwomensfoundation
Laurel: (Instagram) @mommyberrieshealth; @saskteaches
Jodi: (Instagram) @makerswomen; @whohaha; @the_female_lead
Halee: @amandajbarnhart; @karasaundo; @tasiapercevecz
The official theme this year for International Women’s Day is “Choose to Challenge.” Read more about it here.