Erin Davis Co | Award-winning expert in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion for workplaces

View Original

April 2024 - Be Bold

Looking back on the past month, including my time at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York City, it has been an inspiring, eye-opening, and grounding experience in our collective efforts towards achieving gender equality.

Diving in, the experience at the United Nations served as a reminder of the numerous pressing needs across the world, including the need to confront biases within the rapidly evolving world of AI. Discussions at CSW also highlighted that despite strides in education, the gender pay gaps persist, underscoring the need for initiatives promoting early childhood education and family leave reforms. Moreover, we dove into the significance of addressing gender segregation in labor markets and valuing women's work and recognizing the crucial role men play in advancing gender equality. Amplifying Indigenous women's voices was also discussed and embracing community-based solutions emerged as transformative strategies on a global scale.

In addition to my time in New York City, I had the privilege of presenting on challenging conventional notions and igniting a call to action for systemic change in celebration of International Women’s Day. Drawing insights from the article "Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome," I unpacked the intricate dynamics between confidence, competence, and systemic biases, shedding light on the barriers hindering women's advancement in professional spheres in two virtual spaces. I also had the opportunity to moderate "Allyship Amplified," an event dedicated to exploring the power of allyship in driving inclusivity and innovation in tech, and also facilitated a panel at the Young Women in Energy Summit on EDI Best Practices. These discussions all highlighted the importance of amplifying women's voices and the need to continue to address systemic barriers here and beyond.

I was also humbled to be able to share my experiences at the United Nations and the critical issues faced by women worldwide on the Real Talk Ryan Jespersen Show and CBC Radio Active (check them out here: Real Talk Ryan Jespersen Show and CBC Radio Active).

In addition to my work in the gender equality space, I also finished off two transformative programs with Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). The opportunity to engage in rigorous learning through AWE's Strategic Edge and Bold Leadership Program simultaneously may have left me fatigued (so much learning!), but the wealth of knowledge and insights gained has been immeasurable. The Strategic Edge program equipped me with invaluable tools to grow the organization, emphasizing the importance of data-driven planning, while the Bold Leadership Program pushed me to reimagine my business through a digital lens, igniting a passion for innovation and boldness in my ventures.

If you'd like to learn more about how Erin Davis Co. can support your internal learning journey and facilitate further discussions on topics related to gender equality, please feel free to connect with me via this

link.

I'm grateful for your support and commitment to creating a more inclusive world with me. May these lessons learned be ones that inspire you, knowing that change is on the horizon.

With gratitude (and newfound determination),