Gender Equality Week 2021
The concept of gender has been continuously evolving and expanded definitions eventually caught up with the Canadian federal public service. For example, since 2017, the Federal Public Service Employee Survey allows for respondents to chose ‘gender diverse’ as an identity option.
This change reflects an important and welcome sociocultural shift, which has led to greater acceptance and flexibility over how a person identifies themself, irrespective of their sex assignment at birth.
Similarly, the concept of gender equality has also evolved, and today means equality not just between men and women, but any gender identity.
At CAPE, we take the promotion and protection of gender equality to heart. We believe women, men and those identifying with other genders should enjoy the same benefits, privileges and rights in the workplace. No one should be held back or discriminated against because of their gender.
In the most recent Public Service Employee Survey, those identifying as gender diverse reported 13% higher than those identifying as men or women as alleging discrimination in the job in the past 12 months.
This shows there is still much work to do in making sure everyone, irrespective of gender, is treated equally in the Canadian federal public workplace.
Ways you can help advance gender equality
This year for Gender Equality Week, CAPE would like to encourage everyone to help advance gender equality in the workplace by:
- Challenging your own definition of gender to make place for a wider and more inclusive definition;
- Looking at gender equality through the lens of intersectionality to see how gender equality might also advance equality for a multitude of minority groups;
- Raising awareness and championing gender equality by using your voice and platform when possible and appropriate.
About Gender Equality Week
Gender Equality Week is the result of Bill C-309, adopted to “increase awareness of the significant and substantive contributions that Canadian women have made and continue to make to the growth, development, character and identity of Canada”.
Want to help us advance gender equality in the workplace?
Volunteer with CAPE! View all opportunities available.
