Employment
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Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Female and Gender-Diverse Political Leaders in Ontario
Ontario has witnessed a remarkable transformation in political leadership over the past few decades, as women continue to take their place in positions of power once dominated by men. From grassroots activism to holding the highest offices in the province, female politicians in Ontario are reshaping the political landscape, advocating for equity, inclusion and community-driven policy. The Feb. 27, 2025 Ontario election brought fresh faces among female and gender-diverse representatives to the province’s legislature, alongside historic milestones in leadership roles. Catherine McKenney Elected in the 2025 general election, Catherine McKenney transitioned from Ottawa City Council to the Ontario legislature, representing Ottawa Centre for the New Democratic Party (NDP). Non-binary and…
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The benefits of mentorship: how to find or become one
Supporting women and having support is as important as ever as women continue to break the glass ceiling. Mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship where a more experienced individual (mentor) provides guidance, support and advice to a less experienced person (mentee). It plays a crucial role in personal and professional development, offering benefits such as career advancement, skill enhancement and increased confidence for both mentors and mentees. For women, finding a mentor who understands their unique experiences can be especially empowering and instrumental in navigating gender-specific workplace challenges. Women mentors can serve as role models in showing what’s possible and inspiring their mentees to aim higher. Learn more about the…
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Navigating sexual harassment in the workplace
Tips for navigating sexual harassment at your workplace as a woman Courtesy of Joel Muniz Some may say that the world is making progress towards equality for women in the workplace (which on the surface level, is true) however, there is still an unfortunate reality in that under the surface, women are still experiencing far more sexual abuse and harassment within the workplace than men. In the current world, after the resurgence of the #MeToo movement, more women are coming forward about their experiences of enduring sexual harassment and abuse by calling out their male bosses or superiors and refusing to stay silent. This is a substantial and empowering step…
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It’s OK to pivot your career path – and here’s how to do it.
It’s not too late to learn how to pivot your career path! “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a common question children are asked from a young age. You might get answers anywhere from a dinosaur to an astronaut, but many have no clue. For some, a career path is laid out for them. For others, the question is scary: how are you supposed to know from a young age what you want to do until retirement? My answers varied depending on my age. When I was young, I used to say ‘a ballerina’. How blissful would it be to spin around on stage in…
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Five tips from successful women to succeed in the workplace
Learn from the best how to have an accomplished career It isn’t the 1950s anymore. In 2019, women made up 61 per cent of Canada’s workforce (a 25 per cent increase from 1976), meaning women make up the lion’s share of Canada’s employed. However, even with the majority title, a meager four per cent of Canada’s largest publicly traded companies have a woman CEO. Evidently, it is more difficult for women to move into leadership positions in their careers than it is for men, hindering their potential and diminishing their hard work. As men often have more access to resources such as mentors and are frequently favoured over women because…
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Safety in the Six
A woman’s guide to personal safety in Toronto Urban centres are inherently risky spaces to navigate. This risk increases exponentially for those who identify as women, especially those who are alone. According to the 2016 census, Toronto is home to a population of more than two million people, making it the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America. This makes for a bustling, diverse metropolis, but it also raises safety concerns for women living in the city. It is never a woman’s fault if she is attacked or made uncomfortable, but there are ways to combat and/or avoid unwanted advances. The following list covers some…
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Shireen Ahmed on diversity and inclusion in journalism
Shireen Ahmed is an Ontario-based, multi-platform sports journalist. She is a co-creator of Burn It All Down, a feminist sports podcast that critically analyzes sports culture. Ahmed is a frequent contributor to The Sports Network (TSN). She’s also had work featured in Sports Illustrated, Teen Vogue, Vice Sports and The National Post. She is known for being an activist within the sports industry. Ahmed focuses on Muslim women and the presence of both racism and misogyny in sports. Ahmed is also a diversity and inclusion consultant and stresses its importance within journalism. Melanie Lennon: What does ‘diversity and inclusion’ mean to you? Shireen Ahmed: For me, diversity and inclusion are…
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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…
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The coffee brand taking a stand against domestic violence, one cup at a time
Violence against women continues to be a major issue, regardless of location, ethnicity or status. Organizations like Sisters’ Story Coffee are attempting to make a difference. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared violence against women — specifically domestic violence — a major public health problem. The WHO estimated 30 per cent of women worldwide have been subject to physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. For a group of female coffee farmers employed by Sisters’ Story Coffee, solidarity is key to ending violence. Who is Sisters’ Story Coffee? Sisters’ Story Coffee is a part of Café Femenino, a certified Fairtrade and organic brand owned by Planet Bean Coffee.…
