L.A. Inc. Celebrates International Women’s Day 2019

Celebrating International Women’s Day at L.A. Inc and across the globe. IWD is about taking a moment to recognize women’s achievements and to challenge gender inequality through collective action and awareness.

A mini history lesson – some may wonder why it’s celebrated on March 8^th. According to the UN, 

“International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.“

This year’s theme is about gender balance #BalanceforBetter and how we can make it a better-balanced world. Everything in life is about balance – it’s what keeps our earth spinning and naturally, we seek this in our day to day lives and notice when it is not.

“Balance is not a women’s issues, it’s a business issue.”

We need more gender balance in government, the boardroom, media coverage and wealth to name a few.

At L.A. Inc, we decided to collectivelyshare our thoughts, musings and most importantly take this opportunity torecognize one another.

Here is what the women at L.A. Inc have to say:

How can we make a moregender-balanced world?

Robin:

Teach and encourage our daughters from a young age that her gender has nothing to do with her abilities and capabilities, to achieve whatever she puts her mind to.

Become an example for the younger generation by ignoring negative gender stereotypes and provide support and guidance, giving them the confidence to express themselves in any way they want to.

What should berequired reading for everyone, not just women, in the scope of greater genderequality?

Amber:

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Which woman/women inspire you?  

Jessica:

The women that inspire me the most are my three strong and fearless cousins: one, who served in Afghanistan as a Captain with the Canadian Armed Forces, one a Professor at the University of Regina who placed 3^rd in the Whistler Ironman competition 8 months postpartum while still breastfeeding her second child and one who followed her passion all the way to Africa and is raising her daughter in the middle of the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Which woman/women inspire you?

Shiuli:

My mom. She was quintessentially ‘grace under fire.’ She worked in advertising at a time when most women were stay-at-home mothers. She belonged to a generation where a woman’s place, even a highly educated one, was at home. She was a single mom in a patriarchal society. But that was never a deterrent but an inspiration. She never gave up, nor did she give in. The loss of a husband, a child…nothing could break her spirit. She was kind, giving, loving but hard as nails when the time came. My mum was a force of nature. When she finally retired, she was one of the most successful and admired professionals in her field.

Which woman/women inspire you?  

Coni:

Paula Scher. I have followed her career since I was in college myself. She broke boundaries in the industry and really threw the design world on its head with her bold graphics and typography. She is incredibly admired throughout the world for her creativity and continues to inspire me everyday. Honourable mentions: Jane Fonda, Janis Joplin, Camille.

Which woman/women inspire you?

Samantha:
My friends, colleagues and my mom! All are both talented and driven women that inspire me every day.

Which woman/women inspire you?   

Betty:

Michelle Obama – She advocates for women. “One thing we can do better as women is to take better care of each other” from Becoming by Michelle Obama.

What are the qualities of an empowered woman?

Damali:

A woman who is confident in her abilities, willing to take on challenges and is always willing to learn and grow from her mistakes.  She also improves the lives of people around her while holding herself and other accountable.