“My Wish For 2016” (Blog Post)

January 4, 2016

When December rolls around, it’s natural for us to reflect on the year and start thinking about how we might make the next one better. As the leader of Catalyst, I always hope that each new year will bring us closer to gender equity in the workplace. And of course, part of my job is to help raise awareness to get us there. But all the research in the world can’t change what we’ve been raised to believe or what society allows us to believe, as this very funny—and yet eye-opening—video from Jimmy Kimmel demonstrates.

I don’t know about you, but this video made me uncomfortable. Are we failing our children, if at such a young age they already spout stereotypes like “all women care about is makeup” and “women are weaker than men”? This video shows how very early these stereotypes take hold and reminds us that we can’t afford to assume that the next generation will bring about gender equality, especially when these kids are mostly seeing men in leadership roles.

Now before you dismiss this video as simply kids being kids, take a look at this and this which sadly reaffirm these biases and more—for women and men alike.

If I have a wish for 2016 and beyond, it’s for our kids to grow up in a world where there’s parity in all sectors. This is not to take away from the great strides women have made in 2015, but there’s still work to be done. One step forward doesn’t mean we’ve made it. It simply means we’re heading in the right direction.

As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” As the influencers of today, it’s our job to ensure we choose inclusive and diverse leaders now so that children can see opportunities for themselves in all aspects of their lives—and make a difference tomorrow. Even if you aren’t a manager or an executive, you can intentionally address the barriers to inclusion every single day. Whether through conversations, being bold, or being trustful, we all have the power to make change.

As we start 2016, I ask each and every one of you to use your power and your influence to bust these assumptions for future generations, so that one day this wish for parity will merely be a memory.

The views expressed herein are solely those of the guest blogger and do not necessarily reflect those of Catalyst. Catalyst does not endorse any political candidates. The post and the comments are presented only for the purpose of informing the public.

Deborah Gillis

Former President & Chief Executive Officer

Growing up in a tiny village in rural Nova Scotia, far from any center of power, Deborah Gillis was inspired by a group of women who successfully advocated for gender equality rights to be included in the Canadian constitution. As a result, her high school debate topic was, “Be it resolved that women earn the same as men.” And so began a career dedicated to giving everyone equal opportunity to succeed. Her early work in the public sector focused on social justice policy issues: employment equity, anti-racism, and LGBTQI rights. As a consultant and practice leader for two global professional services firms, she advised clients on strategies for aligning talent and business priorities, and championed initiatives to mentor women. Then as a candidate for elected office, Deborah first truly understood the power of role models to inspire girls and young women. That experience and surviving breast cancer motivated her to seek out more deeply meaningful work. Deborah found it at Catalyst, a global nonprofit that works with some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Joining in 2006 as Executive Director of Catalyst Canada, she became Chief Operating Officer in 2012, and then President and CEO in 2014. In her time as president, she put her passion to work as a tireless advocate, opening doors for other women so that we can change the world—one fair, diverse, and inclusive workplace at a time. A recognized thought leader and global influencer, in 2016 Deborah was named as one of Canadian Business magazine’s 10 most influential Canadians, and that same year she received the Foreign Policy Association Medal. Most recently, in 2017, Deborah accepted an honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causafrom Cape Breton University for dedicating her life’s work to advocating for women’s rights and equality. She serves on the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University.