How do you break a bias when it is so deeply ingrained into our culture as a whole?
International WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Day challenges us this year to SA国际影视传媒榖reak the bias,SA国际影视传媒� sometimes unconscious, that affects women whether in the workplace, home or society in general.
Many women are breaking through barriers and taking leadership positions in their communities, in the legislature, in workplaces and beyond SA国际影视传媒� we can find inspiration almost anywhere we look with women paving the way forward for future generations.
The legislature has seen an increase of one female member overall from the last election, now six of 22 seats are filled by women, three of whom are also members of cabinet.
The appointment of Mary Simon, our first Inuk Governor General, to one of the highest offices in the country is certainly an inspiration, showing young women that passion and hard work can lead you places unexpected in past decades.
Of course, itSA国际影视传媒檚 easy to find inspiration in ceilings being shattered; anyone reaching new heights is sure to encourage others to try and do the same, but what about finding comfort in the ordinary?
Like in the case of Mary Fredlund, who recently stepped down after helming Rankin InletSA国际影视传媒檚 Ikurraq Food Bank Society for more than 25 years, and the countless other volunteers who give their time to their communities in so many meaningful ways.
Or in Iqaluit, where 30 per cent of emergency responders are women SA国际影视传媒� a fact the municipality is celebrating and showcasing on International WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Day, March 8.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a good promotion, I think, especially for younger girls to see that itSA国际影视传媒檚 a job possibility for them,SA国际影视传媒� says acting fire chief Lieut. Sharon Nowlan.
Nunavut News interviewed influencer and Inuktitut instructor Aliqa Illauq, who says she possesses just as much esteem for a person begging for money on the street as anyone else.
SA国际影视传媒淪ome of them are lucky just to get a nice hot meal a day, and theySA国际影视传媒檙e still able to smile and show compassion. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 an inspiration. It amazes me,SA国际影视传媒� she says. SA国际影视传媒淎t the end of the day, most of them will show more love than the corporate CEO and theySA国际影视传媒檒l be more trustworthy. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 one of my biggest inspirations: watching people rise above their hurt and just having the opportunity to listen to them.SA国际影视传媒�
WeSA国际影视传媒檙e in the midst of several concurrent crises, where violence against women, suicide and poverty intersect to create difficult circumstances for even the most resilient among us.
While there are resources created to try and ease the immense burdens being carried SA国际影视传媒� online and telephone counselling, social programs such as income support, and $11 million in funding for new shelters for those fleeing violent situations SA国际影视传媒� many of these intended sources of help are still difficult to access or plain impractical, depending on the situation.
Baker Lake, Gjoa Haven, Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet are in line to have new shelters created, along with the existing ones in Cambridge Bay, Iqaluit, Kugaaruk, Kugluktuk and Rankin Inlet.
Having to be flown from your home community to have a safe roof over your head is unacceptable, especially as a survivor of violence. Nine communities is a better position to be in than five, or zero, but the real issue remains the violence itself, and the healing required for men and women to move forward together.
