How Will You Choose To Challenge?
Credit: internationalwomensday.com
On March 8th, 2021 we recognize International Women’s Day across the globe. This year’s theme is “Choose to Challenge”, a call to action to combat injustices in the fight for women’s equality. Since our incorporation, IWD has always been a positive event. A day to celebrate inclusivity and acknowledge the social, political and economic achievements of women. It’s also a chance to gather our community to address opportunities for advancement and steps towards equality. Hard to believe that last year’s IWD celebration at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel was our last in-person event. It was a fantastic networking event attended by over 100 women (and 1 man) who had no idea the year we were in for.
At WORTH, International Women’s Day hits differently this year. We have tumbled back to the 1980’s in terms of women’s workforce participation. We are facing an unprecedented exodus of women from our industries, signalling a talent drain that will have far reaching consequences. According to the Castell Report, women held only 12 percent of hospitality industry leadership positions in 2019. Many sectors are lagging in dedicating resources to gender equity, an effort we fear will fall from the priority list as the industry rebuilds. As a collective in recreation, tourism and hospitality, we still have much more to challenge.
At WORTH, we have expanded our reach to combat these challenges. We’re thrilled by the appointment of new faces to our board of directors. We are proud to have a 100% female board and would like to welcome the following all-stars:
Director of Operations: Kendall Clancy
Director of Advocacy: Jenie Britto
Director of Strategic Partnerships: Tracy Volb
Director-At-Large: Dania Lucas
Treasurer: Tiffany Nguyen
Despite our actions, we are reminded that seeking equity involves bringing more men into the conversation. It may be our day, but efforts need to start at the top (a level that is 15.5% harder for women in tourism to reach, by the way). We know there are a lot of men supporting those who identify as women of recreation, tourism and hospitality. But support isn’t enough. One man in attendance isn’t either. We need tangible actions at work (and at home) to move the dial. So click that forward button and make sure this newsletter lands in the inbox of the men on your team. Ask them what they’re choosing to challenge on International Women’s Day. Make sure they give us a follow @worth.association as well so they can join our upcoming conversations. After all, it’s not a true celebration unless we invite everyone to the party.
Joanna