International Women’s Day is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. For over a hundred years, the day has stood as a call to action for equality, and the acceleration of gender parity.
#BreakTheBias
“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”
For 2022, the theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. Even in the developed world, gender biases exist in many forms – both in society and the workplace. Identification and recognition of these biases is an important part of addressing them. The team at Cm3 spoke about the biases they have observed over the course of their careers, as well as how these have changed over time.
I’ve been in the full-time workforce since 1986 and have seen a lot of change in that time. I do believe women often work harder than their male counterparts in roles such as mine. Many of the positions I have held have been in male dominated workplaces such as aviation heavy maintenance, car engine manufacturing, military logistics and vehicle heavy maintenance. I’ve been challenged in these roles because as a woman providing direction to men it’s been the case that I have needed extra cred to get results. How I have achieved this is through the power of persuasion, introducing new concepts in ways that show how the male workforce can benefit from change.
I’ve seen male behaviour towards women in workplaces change very much for the better in the last 10 years in particular, with much less objectification and overtly sexual behaviour towards their female counterparts.
Deb S. – Compliance Manager
“The biases can be quite subtle and even difficult to express. For example, being ignored, contributions disregarded in meetings, or behaviour that is easily written off as being “in their imagination”. Human behaviour being what it is, the perpetrator may not even be aware they are doing it so it is important to speak out.”
Michelle I. – Key Account Manager
I think that there has never been so much pressure on women as there was during the lockdowns in the COVID-19 pandemic. We have had to adapt our working environments and share not only our workspace but our mental space with all those who have been at home with us at the time.
Never have we been as busy and distracted with home schooling, household responsibilities, and work. However, I feel as though we have been able to manage it well. We adapt, plan, get up early, stay up late, tick off the items on the list – and we survived!
Kelly A. – Customer Onboarding Specialist
A primary challenge is career progression once you start a family. It can be an internal conflict to decide if you take on a role with more responsibility and opportunity, which can ultimately mean more time away from your family.
Generally, women are underrepresented in the tech field. I have noticed that schools are now encouraging more girls to be interested in STEM, which is great to see.
Bonnie K. – Quality & Content Design Lead
How Cm3 is Breaking the Bias
Diversity & Inclusion is an important pillar of Cm3’s commitment to sustainability. Cm3 team members spoke about their perception of diversity and inclusion in the workplace:
“Cm3 has been always been predominantly represented by women! At one point our entire team was comprised of women with the exception of our IT contractor. Today it still feels that we have an excellent gender balance and I’m proud of the fact that some of our most accomplished and professional team members are women.”
Michelle I. – Key Account Manager
“Everyone is treated equally and receives the same opportunities. I think across the board in Cm3 there is a strong sense of achieving a gender balance.”
Deb S. – Compliance Manager
As an equal opportunity employer, Cm3 is proud of its diversity. This is seen a strength by the team, who leverage it to approach problems from multiple angles and create effective solutions.
“Working at Cm3, I have not experienced any different treatment or bias toward being a female. There is a great level of equality in Cm3 which makes working within the team very rewarding.
We have a multicultural team and I feel diversity and inclusion is a given as we all work very well together. Having a good gender balance helps diverse thinking and ensures a good foundation of different views, opinions, and solutions in the team!”
Lisa S. – Head of Operations, Support & Customer Success
Advice for Young Women Entering The Workforce
One of the missions of International Women’s Day is to celebrate digital advancement and champion the women forging innovation through technology. Cm3 sits in a unique spot, covering the fields of Risk Management and Technology. With women sitting in managerial positions across most teams in Cm3, they provide advice for young women joining the workforce, and entering these fields in particular.
Work hard and smart. Be vocal and face your challenges boldly. Leave your mark wherever you go!
Mahima V. – Test / Release Manager
I have two teenage daughters and we often have this conversation. Manage your own expectations. Don’t expect to walk into the best job at the beginning of your career. Be respectful of your leaders but don’t be intimidated. Learn to “read the room” and identify the people with behaviours you need to be aware of (not everyone is aware of their own).
Uphold all the good values of your employer. Hold yourself in high regard. Be accountable. Work hard but don’t neglect your own needs, wants and aspirations. You can do anything, give it a try.
Deb S. – Compliance Manager
While not specifically for women, most people I have met in this field over the years who are really good practitioners, are passionate about their jobs and have a fundamental connection with managing risks and preventing worker illness and injuries.
Everyday there is an opportunity to learn something new, so if you don’t know something be proactive and research it, learn about it and get some practical experience. Find a good mentor outside of your workplace that can give you an independent view of an issue (because they will come up) and share their experiences with you.
Bonnie K. – Quality & Content Design Lead
” I think young women today are so much more aware of gender bias that they probably call it out so much more than when I first joined the workforce. Which, being military, had it’s own unique set of challenges. What is universal is being excellent at whatever job you start out with, learning as much as you can and contributing at every opportunity.”
Michelle I. – Key Account Manager
For more information on International Women’s Day, visit the official website.