International Women’s Day is an annual event that provides us all with an important opportunity to reflect on the continued push for gender equality. As the elected head of the FI Community – a group that’s dominated by women – I’ve been fortunate enough to see first hand what a strong female presence brings to the workplace. Our collective worldview and approach to public service has undoubtedly been shaped by this reality and I strongly believe we’re better for it.

Canada’s record on this front is far from perfect – the FI Community’s ongoing fight for pay equity is but one example of the painful legacy of discrimination we’ve inherited – but I also believe that Canada can and must play a leadership role in the global struggle for equal rights.

As my colleague Rosa Pavanelli, PSI General Secretary, says:

“Gender equality has not been achieved in the last 20 years. We need a political, social and cultural shift and recognize that pro-women and pro-worker policies will make the difference and trade unions have a key role to play in this process. Empowering women indeed empowers societies.”

We in Canada are fortunate enough to have the right and the opportunity to speak out in support of absolute equality around the world. ACFO will continue to do what it can to fight for this equality – both for our group and for greater society.

 

Milt Isaacs, CPA, CMA, CPFA
President, Association of Canadian Financial Officers