We Still Have Work To Do

Just in case there is anyone out there who thinks we shouldn't be working for change for the equality of women:

In Canada, "women represent almost half the labour force, own 800,000 companies that contribute more than $18 billion to the economy. Women are responsible for 80% of all household consumption decisions, they contribute more than 50% of tax revenues, retirement savings plans and a variety of mutual funds, they make up half of all the graduates in law, administration, and accounting. More than twice as many women as men are in university. We have the most women entrepreneurs per capita in the industrialized world
(Financial Women's Association of Quebec)."

What proportion of women sit in the House of Commons where important decisions are made directly impacting the quality of life for women and their families? The answer is 20.8%.

Is this what equality looks like?

The above was taken from Equal Voice, a website "devoted to the still-bold idea that more women must be elected to every level of government in Canada." I would also recommend reading their talking points.

I'm not suggesting we all need to run out and sign up to run for office, although I do believe more women should be thinking about it. I would like it if we could all agree (men and women) that gender inequality exists, and that we should all (men and women) be working to change it.

When I talk about change, I think everyone can do something. It doesn't have to be a large change. For me, I'll be starting by calling people on it when they say something sexist. Sexism is so ingrained in our society, and so taken for granted, that we often don't recognise it. We all need to be on our toes about our personal comments and actions. And when someone says something that is obviously sexist, even when it's the status quo, I'll be questioning them. "Do you really feel that way?" I don't intend to be bitchy about it. It's possible they haven't really thought about the implications of what they are saying. It's very easy to just let these comments pass, because I don't like arguing with people, but from now on, nobody gets a free pass.

In what other small ways can we combat gender inequality? or medium or large :)