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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Founder of The Smith Investigation Agency in 2014, Whitney Joy Smith’s extensive background as a private investigator is matched only by her passion for the role. A graduate of several respected institutions, including Northwest Florida State College and George Brown College, her early years in life were spent between Canada and the United States. This education, along with her formative years as a private investigator in various agencies, informed much of her knowledge of private investigative laws, regulations, and operating standards in both countries.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, including the Consumers Choice Award, Best in Ottawa, and many others, Whitney takes pride in working closely with her ever-growing agency to raise the bar, maintain compliance, and meet the investigative needs of clients. Whitney is active in various membership and supporting roles, including the CPIRC, CBN, CAPI, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Her experience-driven, thought-provoking articles have been featured in everything from Readers Digest to Business News Daily, and she strives to continually redefine standards for those in the private investigative and security fields. Learn more about Whitney and the team at The Smith Investigation Agency today.
