-
Maternity leave: How can I afford it?
Maternity leave and adapting to parenthood can be exciting, but it can also be financially challenging. Pregnant employees have the right to take pregnancy leave for up to 17 weeks under federal law. Parental leave allows up to 61 or 63 weeks of unpaid time off work. More than 2.3 million people took work off due to childbirth or adoption between 2012 and 2017. Although some companies provide benefits during maternity leave, additional costs are to be expected. Kristine Beese is the CEO and co-founder of Untangle Money, a finance company for women. She said around one-third of her clientele need financial advice on child planning and in vitro fertilization…
-
Corporate advocacy: Going beyond performative activism
As corporations try to raise awareness of political issues on social media, some doubt the sincerity of their activism. Following this year’s Pride Month in June, many people criticized how businesses were quick to capitalize on Pride. Meanwhile, they disregard LGBTQ2S+ people the rest of the year. This can raise the question of whether companies truly strive for diversity and inclusivity or whether their activism is performative. Sarah Hussain is the CEO of the human resource company Bridge HR. Bridge HR supports companies looking to implement diversity and inclusivity in areas such as recruitment, training and workforce planning. She said she believes diversity and inclusion are more than just supporting…
-
Life after abuse: Resources for support
The effects of abuse can linger with a survivor for years after leaving an abusive relationship. It can take up to five years for women who have experienced abuse to regain their self-esteem. Victims often report dealing with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The path to recovery can be difficult, but it can be easier with the right support system. To uphold safety and ensure recovery in the future, there are many Ontario-based resources and support services for survivors. Transitional housing It can be difficult to leave an abusive relationship if victims do not have any other accommodations. To address this issue, there are many temporary…
-
WandaVision and grief
Overcoming the loss of a sibling
-
Hijab-friendly salons
For many women, choosing a new hairstyle is their biggest challenge at the salon. For Hijabi women, finding a salon with privacy can be an even bigger challenge. Canada is home to more than a million people who identify as Muslim, according to Statistics Canada. Observant Muslim women who wear head coverings don’t show their hair to men other than their husbands and close relatives. Salons tend to either have male hairstylists present or non-private facilities. It can be difficult for a Hijabi woman to find an accommodating salon. To support each other in the community, blogs such as Hijabs&More share Hijabi hair care tips. Brands such as Antrim Cosmetic…
-
Period poverty: The physical and financial struggle
Menstruation can be an uncomfortable and painful week for many. For others, it’s also a financial struggle due to the high cost of menstrual products. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products due to monetary or geographical reasons. More than one in three Canadian women have reported sacrificing something in their budget to afford sanitary products. To bring awareness to the issue, a number of organizations in Ontario are dedicated to making hygiene products more accessible. Hygiene4her is a London-based organization led by co-presidents Michelle Pham and Helia Hatam Tehrani. Both women are advocates for reducing period poverty. The organization works to provide people with essential…
-
The zero-waste brides
The rise of second-hand and vintage bridal stores
-
Sustainable skin care: Keeping your skin and the environment clean
It can be a challenge to buy skin care products that are both good for your skin and environmentally conscious. According to PwC Canada, more than 42 per cent of Canadians try to avoid plastic where possible and buy products with less packaging. Maintaining a green business can be difficult for skin care brands when it comes to packaging and shipping. These Ontario-based skin care businesses are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint without sacrificing the quality of their products. Birch Babe Based in Bon Echo, Birch Babe is a plant-based cosmetic brand made with natural ingredients. Its entire line is vegan, sulfate-free, beeswax-free, and gluten-free. Birch Babe’s eco-friendly efforts…
-
The art of solo safety
How to stay safe living alone as a woman
