I remember a cigarette ad for Virginia Slims, a cigarette brand developed just for women. It spoke to the Women’s Liberation Movement as it proclaimed, “You’ve come a long way baby!” While that campaign would be considered socially unacceptable today, on so many levels, it serves as a reminder that the journey is far from over.
So here we are: International Women’s Day, 2021. The pandemic continues with signs of guarded hope as vaccines arrive while variants of the coronavirus continue to threaten a potentially dramatic uptick in transmission.
It’s against this backdrop and out of this challenge that incredible opportunities arise. One occurred this past week when the womensnetwork.ca launched with it’s virtual inaugural Evolve Summit.
The brainchild of the dynamic Kristine Leadbetter, a women’s advocate, researcher and media entrepreneur, Evolve and the team from Connect Event Hub proved that the resourcefulness that comes out of adversity can be transformative. Amazing women in various leadership positions of all ages and from all walks of life came together for a day of encouragement and inspiration through the sharing of their wisdom, personal struggles and triumphs, on an innovative online platform called Remo.
I have often shared my story of acing a job interview at a Southern Ontario radio station in the mid 70’s, only to be told that his viewers weren’t ready to hear a woman report the news. Although disappointed, I accepted his decision and just moved on to the next interview. It was the culture then, right or wrong and I didn’t have time to challenge because I just wanted to get my foot in the door. Thankfully others did find the time to challenge.
Reflecting back, it proclaims from the mountaintops, the importance of mentorship. I began my career in an industry where there were few women. Goals were often seen as threats to the old boys’ club and women like me slid into positions quietly, risking the backlash of the established workplace culture. Eventually and thankfully, a growing movement helped my generation of women along as it became more and more acceptable and even profitable to showcase women in front of the camera and behind the microphone.
I will be glad when no one needs any kind of a quota system or affirmative action as we called it, to realize their dreams. In the meantime I am so gratified to see such a positive evolution in our culture thanks to organizations like the womensnetwork.ca and the new generation of trailblazers like Kristine Leadbetter and the women she brought together. May this women’s summit give hope to young girls today and others in our world fighting systemic obstacles blocking their life journeys. As Mr. Rogers famously said, “Look for the helpers”. They are there.