Celebrating powerhouse females this International Women’s Day
As a woman-founded company, Nine Point Agency recognizes the importance of gender equality — both in the workplace and as a concept. Every year on March 8, we come together to challenge stereotypes, call out stigmas and empower strong women. This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallege. As an agency, we are committed to participating in the conversation by calling out biases, amplifying women’s equality and forging a gender-equal future. We challenge you to do the same.
We connected with six powerhouse females in our network to discuss ways in which we can challenge gender inequality. These strong, influential women are making names for themselves in their respective industries and we take pride in sharing their stories and amplifying their voices. Scroll down to read how these inspiring women are breaking barriers and making a positive difference for women worldwide.
Nora Nathoo
Co-Founder of Louder Together + Marketing Specialist, Emerald Health
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality and gender equity are both spoken about in the same breath. Gender equality means that all genders have access to the same rights and opportunities. When we speak of equity it is about raising genders that aren’t males to have the same access. As we come into International Women’s Day, it is important to note that workplace society has a strong connection to archaic definitions tied to gender binary; defined by male or female. Gender equality to me means the same access to income and opportunities for everyone.
What barriers do you see as a woman in your industry? How have you overcome them?
We are in 2021, and what is still surprising is that womxn are [still] paid less to do the same job as their male counterparts and, womxn on average need to work 40-50 days a year more than men. Womxn of colour face other challenges at the intersection of race and gender. Where a white woman will earn $0.79 for every dollar paid to a white man, a BIPOC woman will earn anywhere from $0.55 - $0.79. Not only are workplaces entrenched in a gender bias, but also deeply entrenched in a racial bias. In the cannabis industry specifically, we have to note that the “war on drugs'' was never about cannabis and psychedelics, but rather a war on race. How have I overcome them? I don’t know that I have overcome them, these gaps still exist, and until we can dismantle systems of gender and racial bias, there is a lot of work left to do.
How are you challenging gender inequality in your industry or in your community? How are you empowering others?
In the community, it is important to acknowledge that we are living on unceded land everywhere, that the keepers of traditional Indigenous knowledge in every community are worthy of honour and respect. We need to start looking at decolonizing HR and business practices where systems of racism and inequality still exist. A continued commitment to upholding the work that is needed to elevate and amplify Womxn of Colour in the cannabis space is also important. Necole Hines; an incredible chef and entrepreneur and myself founded Louder Together Cannabis Advocacy Group. The hope of Louder Together is to address the racial bias in the Cannabis Industry and to raise and amplify BIPOC in the cannabis space. It is also important to look at the intersect between race and gender inequality as they are connected in the conversation of gender equality.
Jessica Schacht
Co-Founder Ampersand Distilling Company & Dramaturg
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and to me, it means that we have to work to ensure not just equality, but equity. Space needs to be made for opportunities for all genders to have an equitable share in society.
What barriers do you see as a woman in your industry? How have you overcome them?
Distilling is a very male-dominated field. Thankfully there are many women paving the way and breaking down barriers. I have experienced a lot of discrimination over the years, doubting my knowledge and expertise, and even my contributions to the distillery. People have assumed that I know less, or am less involved than my male counterparts in the business. I overcome these barriers by sharing my voice loudly anyways. It also means doing the work to know my own worth, and not relying on others for validation.
How are you challenging gender inequality in your industry or in your community? How are you empowering others?
I seek opportunities that let people share in my expertise and look for opportunities to use the privilege and power I do have to amplify the voices of other women in this industry. Collaboration and bringing things together is a core value for Ampersand, and I'm always excited to work with incredible women - be they photographers, creative directors, bartenders, or fellow entrepreneurs.
Teara Fraser
Founder Iskwew Air
What does gender equality mean to you?
I see a world where all genders belong, a world where all genders have equal rights and opportunities.
What barriers do you see as a woman in your industry? How have you overcome them?
Less than 3% of airline executives, 4.5% of airline pilots, and 2.8% of aircraft maintenance engineers are women-identifying. We overcome the barriers by dismantling systems of oppression and co-creating a system that better serves all peoples.
How are you challenging gender inequality in your industry or in your community? How are you empowering others?
With Iskwew Air, we will re-matriate, reimagine, and rebuild our air transportation system - centring equity, resilience, and sustainability.
Emily Leung
Founder Ohai
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality will be a time when we won’t have to discuss equality of any kind because there will be no pay gap or preferential treatment in opportunities or benefits regardless of the way we identify ourselves.
What barriers do you see as a woman in your industry? How have you overcome them?
I work in the cannabis industry and from what I’ve seen and experienced, capital has been the largest barrier. It can be extra challenging to kickstart if there is limited access to private capital or public markets and generally speaking, the literacy and wisdom to navigate these waters aren’t readily available to women unless you come from finance. I’ve had to find creative ways to fund my business and to educate myself so I am prepared and empowered when I’m called up. My advice is to actively surround yourself with like-minded intelligent women and men who have the know-how and aren’t afraid to help you rise.
How are you challenging gender inequality in your industry or in your community? How are you empowering others?
I own a cannabis brand called Ohai and for every decision I make I think about how to place women first. It can be a tough search and compromises have to be made, but the results are worth it. That’s how we can challenge and create change. I realized I have an opportunity to lead by example by building a safe and inclusive community, especially in cannabis, and sharing my experiences while doing the work.
Unfortunately, my experiences aren’t unique, but I believe this is how we can unite, by being vocal and transparent. My hope is that the power of a collective voice will encourage more men and women to build businesses based on these non-negotiable values and to see that it is more than possible to be successful if we put women first.
Nova Stevens
Miss Universe Canada 2020 + Co-Founder Freedom March Vancouver
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality to me is when people of all pronouns have equal rights and opportunities to pursue whatever lifestyle, career and choices without discrimination.
What barriers do you see as a woman in your industry?
One of the most common barriers I’ve experienced as a beauty pageant titleholder is a misconception. The idea that a woman can’t be both beautiful and intelligent often puts us in a box. We are so much more than our beauty, and if people were to actually listen and look beyond the superficial, they will see that these women are change-makers. Women in this industry must work hard to break those barriers, and use the pageant experience to launch into careers and pursue opportunities that will shatter the glass ceiling.
How are you challenging gender inequality in your industry or in your community? How are you empowering others?
Using my voice and stepping up to make a change is the best way I know how to challenge gender equality and inspire others. Through my work raising awareness for BLM and with my Miss Universe journey, I hope to inspire other women to be confident, independent and strong so that they can fight for what they believe in and pursue their dreams.
Ashley Freeborn
Co-Founder/CEO/Principal, Smash + Tess
What does gender equality mean to you?
Women have an equal seat at the table, where their voice is heard and is as important as everyone else’s. Gender equality is about providing equal opportunities for women to grow in their careers and their lives, without having to sacrifice one for the other.
What barriers do you see as a woman in your industry? How have you overcome them?
Fashion is a very elitist industry, so to be doing things differently – like our slow-fashion business model, and having diversity and inclusion at the heart of our brand values – and seeing the overwhelming response from our community and customers, really feels like we’re disrupting the industry and overcoming the barrier of what the industry tells us we ‘should’ be doing. Being a female CEO and entrepreneur in fashion can be very competitive and not always supportive, compounded by building a brand while coming from a (mostly) non-fashion background. There have been challenges along the way, but finding other female entrepreneurs who have chosen to promote us, rather than dismiss us, has been truly transformative.
How are you challenging gender inequality in your industry or in your community? How are you empowering others?
Our team is primarily female, so seeing the incredible growth of the brand and what we’ve accomplished is just even more special that it’s led and driven by women, for women. Wherever possible I try to use our brand platform as a place to learn, listen and uplift other women – getting to share stories and empower women through the community we’ve built. We also try to give back to women in need whenever we can – be it through our continued work with BC Women’s Hospital Foundation, or our IWD collab featuring female street artists and benefitting women experiencing homelessness in LA and Vancouver.
We are inspired by the stories of these women and challenge you to choose to challenge. Not only on March 8 but every single day of the year. From challenge comes change, and we are collectively looking to a gender-equal future for all. Let’s stand together and make a difference.
