Women in Business: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Canada

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote gender equality in the workplace, particularly in the field of business. Women are breaking through the glass ceiling and making their mark in the business world like never before. In Canada, women have been making significant strides in entrepreneurship and leadership, but there is still work to be done to achieve true gender equality. In this blog post, we will explore the progress that has been made and the challenges that still exist for women in business in Canada.

The Progress Made by Women in Business in Canada

Over the past few decades, women have made significant progress in breaking down the barriers that once held them back in the business world. According to a report by BDC, women-owned businesses in Canada have increased by 58% between 2000 and 2015. In 2019, the Canadian government announced a goal to double the number of women-owned businesses by 2025, recognizing the important role that women play in the economy.

Many women in Canada are also breaking through the glass ceiling in the corporate world. In 2019, Rania Llewellyn became the first woman and person of colour to lead a major Canadian bank when she was appointed as the CEO of Laurentian Bank. Other notable women in business in Canada include Linda Hasenfratz, CEO of Linamar Corporation, and Heather Reisman, CEO of Indigo Books & Music.

Challenges Faced by Women in Business in Canada

Despite the progress that has been made, women still face significant challenges in the business world in Canada. One of the biggest challenges is the gender pay gap. According to Statistics Canada, women in Canada earn, on average, 87 cents for every dollar earned by men. This gap is even wider for women who are members of racialized groups or who have disabilities.

Another challenge that women face in the business world is the lack of representation in leadership positions. Women are often underrepresented in senior management and board positions, which can make it difficult for them to advance in their careers. According to a report by Catalyst, women hold only 18.3% of board seats and 15.9% of executive officer positions in Canadian companies.

Additionally, women may face bias and discrimination in the workplace. This can include everything from being passed over for promotions to experiencing harassment or microaggressions. Women who are entrepreneurs may also face challenges in accessing funding and resources to start or grow their businesses.

What Can be Done to Promote Gender Equality in the Business World in Canada?

In the business world in Canada, there are steps that can be taken to promote progress. Here are a few ideas:

1. Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Companies should create a culture that values and supports all employees. This includes people of different genders, races, and other characteristics.
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses: Consumers can support women-owned businesses by making a conscious effort to seek out and purchase from these businesses. This can help to create a more level playing field for women entrepreneurs.
3. Provide Mentorship and Sponsorship: Women can benefit from guidance and support when they are starting out in their careers or pursuing entrepreneurship. Experienced professionals can offer mentorship and sponsorship to help these women reach their goals. This can help to provide guidance and support, as well as access to networks and resources.
4. Address Bias and Stereotypes: It’s important to address bias and stereotypes in the workplace and in society at large. This can include everything from promoting gender-neutral language to challenging gender stereotypes in advertising and media.

In Conclusion

Women in Canada are making significant strides in breaking down the barriers that once held them back in the business world. At The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., we are passionate about supporting and empowering women-owned businesses.

We provide mentorship, guidance, and private investigator training to help them succeed. We are also dedicated to advocating for change within the private investigative field to ensure that women-owned businesses receive the same opportunities and respect as other businesses. We strive to make a positive impact in our community and beyond.

About the Author

Whitney Joy Smith

Whitney Joy Smith is a prominent figure in the field of private investigation and security, serving as the founder and CEO of The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., Smith Security Inc., and Training Centre Canada, as well as a sitting politician.

With a remarkable journey that began in the early 2000s, Whitney's professional background as a private investigator is underscored by her unwavering dedication to the role. Born in Canada and having spent her early years between Canada and the United States, Whitney possesses a unique perspective shaped by her experiences in both countries. This background equips her with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of private investigative laws, regulations, and operational standards in North America.

Throughout her career, Whitney has garnered numerous industry awards and accolades. She takes great pride in working closely with her continually expanding agency, striving to elevate industry standards, maintain compliance, and effectively meet the diverse investigative needs of clients.

Whitney actively engages in various membership, committee, board and support roles, demonstrating her commitment to the industry and professional community. She is affiliated with all local chambers, associations and more.

Whitney's wealth of experience is not limited to her professional achievements; her thought-provoking articles have been featured in publications ranging from Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, and Mens Health to Business News Daily. She constantly seeks to redefine standards and push the boundaries of excellence within the private investigative and security fields.

To discover more about Whitney Joy Smith and the dedicated team at The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., visit our website to learn more.