Embracing Gender Diversity in Leadership
Women bring distinct qualities that significantly enhance organizational success. Studies show that when women become leaders in an organization, they help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organizational dedication, and improve fairness. (Gueye, 2024)
When leaders come from different genders, it highlights that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed within the organization.
A Statistics Canada study examined the representation and impact of women in middle and senior management positions in Canada over the past two decades.
The leadership imbalance in Canada’s workplaces is rooted in patriarchal and discriminatory practices, which create additional barriers for women. The Canadian Women’s Foundation noted that to foster gender diversity in leadership, we need to broaden our perception of what makes a good leader. Traditionally, there has been a narrow definition of leadership, typically male, which influences who is chosen for these roles and who aspires to take them on. (Canadian Women’s Foundation, 2022)
While many women do overcome these barriers and pursue leadership roles, systemic change is needed to increase women’s representation in these spaces.
Although progress is being made toward gender diversity and inclusion, there are still barriers and gaps in the representation of women in leadership roles.
This International Women’s Day, Western recognizes women's vital role in forging more prosperous, diverse, and inclusive workplaces in Canada and around the world.
Western is committed to advancing gender equity at all levels of the organization by supporting the growth and success of women leaders in the earliest stages of their careers through our Women in Leadership program. We will continue to invest in our People as growth and development are central to our culture of care.
