Canadian HR Reporter Weekly

2 Canadian HR Reporter, a Thomson Reuters business 2018 CANADIAN HR REPORTER WEEKLY International Women's Day had a different vibe this year, thanks in large part to the #MeToo movement that has rocked the globe over recent months. Sparked by the fall of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein on charges of sexual harassment, the social media campaign celebrating truth-telling has continued unabated, with sexual abuse victims around the world sharing their personal stories. #MeToo thrust gender equity squarely into the spotlight, and the pace of societal change has been spellbinding, according to Brooke Leland, senior vice- president and Canadian general manager at marketing communications company Cossette. "Honestly, we are so damn lucky to be women in Canada in 2018, it's insane," she said, speaking at a Network of Executive Women (NEW) event in Toronto on March 7. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unabashed advocacy for women on boards, more female entrepreneurs, and modernization in maternity and paternity leaves is significant, said Leland. "In that regard, it's actually been amazing, and it's going to be amazing for the next 10 or 20 years." Leland was part of a four-women panel discussing the effects of the #MeToo movement on female leaders, ahead of International Women's Day on March 8. New workplace norms e #MeToo movement has shifted the landscape in the workplace towards a more transparent culture built on mutual respect between genders, according to Leland. "In the past, women have been told to laugh it off. 'Just don't be a complainer, just keep it to yourself,'" she said. "e #MeToo movement has been all about truth- telling… and lack of fear in being vocal." "Women are being fêted for ratting out these individuals, and the individuals are feeling the repercussions," said Leland. "It was always a risk being a squeaky wheel or complainer, but I feel like it's changed now and that there's a celebration of this truth-telling." #MeToo is about much more than sexual harassment in the workplace, she said. "Just to set the record straight, it's not necessarily about sex. It's about power. (As women), we have to be aware of our power-mongering, as well." "We've got the same responsibilities," said Leland. "You can't be a bully… 100 per cent, the #MeToo movement applies to women and men." Nevertheless, the movement has given women confidence to speak up regarding inappropriate acts they may have experienced, said Shelley Martin, CEO of Nestlé Canada. "No one deserves to be in any situation — professionally or personally — where there's anything going on that isn't right or doesn't make you comfortable," she said. "I'm hoping that #MeToo just enables that." And while women have been emboldened, they now need to make the most of the opportunity to advance their careers and the cause, said Josianne Legare, senior vice-president of sales at Lassonde, a Canadian agri- food company. "We have a stronger voice now and we need to use it," she said. "We need to speak up if we have any new ideas and apply for the next role up — don't be afraid, take some risks." Proactive employers would be wise to remember men as well, said Martin. While women need to look out for For women, progress is being made, but more work is still needed: Panel 'is is about building a foundation for future generations' BY MARCEL VANDER WIER Sign up for the Canadian HR Newswire today for free and enjoy great content from the publishers of Canadian HR Reporter. HR News at Your Fingertips THE LATEST NEWS THE BEST COMMENTARY DELIVERED WEEKLY FOR READING ON ANY DEVICE Visit www.hrreporter.com/ canadian-hr-newswire

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