Tuesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the achievements and accomplishments of females. International Women’s Day, or “IWD” has a declared mission to help spread a message of unity for gender equity and equality in four distinct areas:
- raising greater awareness about issues impacting women’s equality
- taking a stance to call out inequality while working to forge positive action
- highlighting and applauding where important gains are being made
- celebrating women’s achievements and accomplishments
Take in a Virtual Event
If you’d like to see a list of virtual events planned to celebrate International Women’s Day in Canada, you can choose from the following topical themes in these online seminars, set for March 8:
Toronto – CMC International Women’s Day Celebration 2022
Halifax – Their Songs And Stories: IWD Edition
Canada – Celebrating IWD: Proactive Mental Health & Performance for Women
Calgary – Ally Chats: International Women’s Day
Canada – Crones of Consciousness: Nurturing Spiritual Health
Canada – Diversity at work in Canada: Breaking the Bias
Each of these pre-planned online seminars are virtual events and free to participate. If you’re unable to join live, check back for a taped edition which you can view at your convenience.
Recent Gender Diversity Surveys
As for the world of commerce in Canada, the Globe and Mail conducted a survey of gender diversity in the corporate world, an annual undertaking. In 2021, following a review of hundreds of firms, it was revealed that 71 organisations included a significant number – up to 44% — of female executives in leadership positions. A full list of honourees can be found by following this link.
In and a good news update for the Canadian franchising industry, a recent survey conducted by Simplii Financial™ found that 9 out of 10 respondents aged 18-34 are interested in pursuing additional income streams via “side hustles.” Across all age groups, the percentage came to 76%, more than three-quarters of the female population!
Lastly, one of the more comprehensive looks at gender diversity in Canada comes to us from the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), a national network of shared research, resources, and strategies comprised of 10 regional hubs and more than 250 organizations. The highlights are too numerous to list, but you can view the entire report, “The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada” by following this link. You’ll appreciate the minute detail that breaks down entrepreneurship for female business owners in Canada.
As we close this blog edition, we simply must acknowledge our very own highly admired female business owner. If you’re unfamiliar, FranNet’s CEO is Jania Bailey, who has become the face of this consultancy since joining the company in 2006. She’s a best-selling author, with two titles to her name, a strong supporter of franchising’s leading industry trade group, the International Franchise Association (IFA). But when it comes to her track record as one who empowers other females, Bailey is second-to-none. In 2019, Jania was the recipient of the franchising industry’s annual Bonnie LeVine award. This prestigious honour is given to those who exemplify the idea role models for other women, as noted in their business and professional accomplishments within the franchising industry and society as a whole. Bonnie LeVine recipients have common traits in their leadership style, leading by example, demonstrating purpose, and ultimately focused on helping the next generation of female leaders in the franchising industry.
FranNet of Canada salutes our fearless leader Jania Bailey and all the other female business owners and executives on this special day.
If you’re ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey, FranNet of Canada can help you get started. With consultants serving every Canadian province, there’s a representative near you, who also lives and works in your area. To find your local province consultant, simply follow this link and select “Canada” on the FranNet Franchise Consultant Directory page of our website.