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Gender equality forum brings women (and a few men) together

While the President of the United States is busy rolling back protection for women workers and defunding the UN Population Fund, north of the border, a room full of women gather in Toronto to engage in learning and discussions about solutions for gender equality, a topic that is not going away anytime soon.

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The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women of Canada
 

After millions of women and men marched last January in solidarity across the U.S. and around the world, out of both concern and inspiration of what the future holds, it has never been clearer that women are on the rise. While the collective voice of women – and men – is greatly needed, we still need organizations to lead the charge and set the agenda to advance gender equality and take action for any meaningful transformation with real staying power. And that is exactly what happened on April 4th-5th in a conference room in Deloitte’s swanky offices at Yonge and Adelaide Streets.

The Gender Equality Forum 2017 brought together women leaders in business, government, and UN agencies, to explore opportunities for partnership and collective action. It was organized by the Canadian network of the UN Global Compact (UNGC), a voluntary corporate strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies in the interest areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption; and spearheaded by Helle Bank Jorgensen.

Speakers included the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne; the European Union Ambassador to Canada, Marie-Anne Coninsx; and The Honourable Maryam Monsef, the Minister of Status of Women Canada, who began her inspiring speech by telling the group, “I’m here because I’m interested in a relationship.” As it turned out, as she would later tells us, the relationship was with us.

“Canada can lead the world,” said Minister Monsef, whose own personal story of being raised by a single mom to eventually becoming an MP – and beacon of light for all Canadian women – is in itself a dose of inspiration.

And while it was interesting hearing from a range of women (and a few men) speakers from NGO’s and corporations about the challenges women face in the world, the solutions they are striving for, and their achievements, the most intriguing part of the forum was something we don’t have enough of at women-themed events. It was a panel discussion of men who are interested, in earnest, in the advancement of women.

“Feminism is the greatest gift men ever received,” said forum panelist Michael Kaufman, author and White Ribbon Campaign co-founder, upon noting the lack of men in the audience.

And so, my takeaway is this: there are visionary men who want to reach more men to get engaged and involved to advance women’s interests. Let’s find them! Kaufman offers some ways to do that, which I will leave with you:

1. Positive messages work better than negative. “Be the guy who interrupts sexist jokes.”
2. Reach out to men with compassion and understanding, while challenging abuse.
3. Co-operation and outreach to happen at the community level.
4. Globalize men’s voices – encourage other men.

Let’s have more of this at women’s empowerment events, please. And thank you.

Shannon Skinner is a Toronto-based, award-winning television and radio show host, international speaker, author and creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. For information on her speaking engagements and interviews, visit: www.ShannonSkinner.com and www.ExtrarodinaryWomenTV.com. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.

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Shannon Skinner
I am hosting a tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays, this September 2024.Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan. As well, we are now offering an *optional* tour extension of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, after the completion of our main tour, adding a 6th city to our itinerary.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸Optional Varanasi tour extension post-tour (2 days/1 night)🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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I recently had the opportunity to speak at a travel industry event, “Evolving Tourism Landscape in India,” hosted by the India High Commissioner in Ottawa and India's Consul General in Toronto.I spoke about my northeast India travels and why a Bengal Tiger is calling me back.Photo: Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (thank you) ... See MoreSee Less
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Shannon Skinner
India is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Take it from me, a travel writer.This September, I am hosting a guided tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays. Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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