March 2023 Editor's Fix

Equality has always been extremely important to me, but never as much as now, raising two young girls in an ever-changing world means I am quite literally faced with the challenges constantly. And just when we think we have taken many steps forward, extreme events happen, like a global pandemic, that take us many steps back. 

It was so disheartening to see how many women left the workforce during this time. Like many moms, I have the ‘flexible’ job in our family. When our children were home during the pandemic, they were home with me. When they were sick this school year, with the countless viruses circulating, I worked from the couch. I am very fortunate to be able to work for myself and to have a business partner who has gone through the same challenges and supports me and our flexible work environment. 

It was also a time we saw many women leave leadership positions, because of the pressure, negativity, and criticism they faced in these roles. For example, in our last municipal election in the fall of 2022, we saw many municipalities with fewer women elected, and fewer women putting their hand up for the role to begin with.  

And who can forget the slap in the face heard around the world with the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the US Supreme Court? Or ignore the continued inequality of pay in Canadian sports?

So, yes. We still have work to do. Especially when we take into consideration the discrimination the 2SLGBTQ+ communities continue to face. Whenever I feel discouraged by the many adults who are not open to this work or willing to change, I realize just how important it is as a parent to raise strong, compassionate, educated, empathetic young people. And that gives me hope.