Dear Friends of UN Women National Committee Canada,

I hope you have all enjoyed your Summer!

This Summer has been an eventful journey for UN Women National Committee Canada, filled with new initiatives that raise awareness about the ongoing challenges that women and girls around the world still face. I am so honoured to have met with so many wonderful new partners who truly want to work with us to help alleviate some of these challenges.

I would like to first congratulate Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of South Africa as the new Executive Director of UN Women. Ms. Ngucka brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments alongside her work as Deputy President of South Africa from 2005-2008. I extend our deep appreciation to former Executive Director Ms. Michelle Bachelet and wish her well in her future endeavours. We are confident that Ms. Bachelet will continue to support gender equality and the empowerment of women.

As the torch of equality has passed on from one champion to another, UN Women National Committee Canada hopes to keep the fire of equality burning from 2013 onwards by forging new partnerships and continuing to build on existing ones.

Working with the world’s leaders is an important part of our role in advocacy and bringing women’s issues in the forefront. In Canada's Capital, we met with several Ambassadors and International Diplomats to discuss and advise on Gender Equality Issues with regards to the Canadian Experience with Equality. It is exciting to bring our issues to such an esteemed group of dignitaries who will make sure our voices are heard.

Partnerships and strategic collaboration is at the heart of UN Women National Committee Canada's work. This summer we worked closely with Global Warming Prevention Technology (GWPT) to address the role of environment and its relationship to women's equality. The Committee used this platform to outline the importance of women in sustainability. This collaboration is helping to shed the spotlight on UN Women's gender and sustainability projects.

Presently, Zanis & Co., is set to launch their "Be a Force" Campaign to raise funds that will empower women and showcase the strength of women as a force for positive change. We are excited that Zanis & Co., has chosen to help us to empower women around the world.

To help raise awareness about global issues, I am honoured to accept the appointment as one of the newest WIL (Women in Leadership) Ambassador (former Advisory board member), Pakema Advisory Member, GWPT advisory board member, Instanbul, Turkey University - Faculty of Law Advisory board member. We are also privileged to be honored with five International awards for our efforts to advocate for Gender Equality & Empowerment of Women. I hope that through these activities I am able to continue to spread the message of gender equality.

Behind every great leader is a team of dedicated people. My volunteers are the backbone of UN Women National Committee Canada and without their support, our achievements would not have been possible. In this issue you will see some of our members at work in the photo gallery.

With a great team behind them, leaders are able to make a big impact in society. In this issue you will read about three great leaders -- their stories and their thoughts on gender issues.

These successes you will read about in this Summer Edition of our newsletter, does show that inroads are being made towards a better future for all women. However the biggest hope came not from a world or business leader, it came from a 16 year old girl.

The highlight of my summer was in July, when I watched Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenage girl who made headlines after the Taliban attacked her for advocating for girls' right to education, deliver her first public speech to the United Nations Youth Assembly after a lengthy recovery from a gunshot wound to the head.

What became known as Malala Day, was really a touching moment that showed one girl’s courage and strength to stand up against fear and intolerance. Malala said this “…is not my day, today is the day of every woman, boy and girl who has raised their voice for their rights. I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard."

Malala day was truly an inspiration for us all to stand together and raise our voices for a better world for all. I hope though that we can make it not just about one day, but every day in our lives, and in the lives of the women we know, our mothers, sisters and daughters.

The path forward will be challenging. But the world's women and their potential to succeed does not accept unnecessary limits. Neither should we. Together we can strive and continue to support the work of UN Women and its global programs to make gender equality a lived reality.

I look forward to your continued support for many years to come.

Warmest regards,

Almas Jiwani

 

On July 10, 2013, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka from South Africa as the new Executive Director of UN Women, the organization leading UN’s work on advancing gender equality and women’s rights.

UN Women National Committee Canada congratulates Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on her new role and looks forward to working with her in the future to advocate and raise awareness about gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The statement made through the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General which announced the appointment says: Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka brings to this position, a wealth of experience in advocating for women’s issues with a combination of strategic leadership, consensus building and hands-on management experience. She was the first woman to hold the position of Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008. Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka initially became a member of parliament in 1994, chairing the Public Service Portfolio Committee. She was deputy minister in the Department of Trade and Industry (1996-1999), Minister of Minerals and Energy (1999-2005) and briefly served as acting Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in 2004.

For more information click here. 

Photo credit: UN Women

By Cassandra Fong and Sandy Chohan

Exclusive opportunity to hold a piece of the Universe in your hands while supporting women and girls around the world.

We are absolutely delighted to share that Zanis & Co. have generously offered to make UN Women National Committee Canada their charity of choice for their upcoming “Be A Force” Campaign.

Zanis & Co. produce wearable works of art featuring rare Space Gems, pieces of the Moon, and Mars in their new Universe Watch & Jewelry Line. Throughout the six week campaign, starting on August 22, 25 per cent of profits from the sale of watches and jewelry collection from the Be A Force microsite will go towards empowering women around the globe. Zanis & Co. and UN Women National Committee Canada share a common belief in empowering women.

Together we want to instill the belief that women are a powerful force and have the potential to make a difference in the lives of thousands. Whether you purchase Zanis & Co. Watches or Jewelry for yourself or a loved one, there is nothing more special and empowering than being able to wear a piece of the Universe. These watches and jewelry will serve as a daily reminder of how far women have come and the integral role women play in our Universe. To learn how to make a purchase visit http://www.zanishelps.org

Interview by Rowena Calpito

UNWNCC: Describe what motivates you to make our world a better place to live, what your efforts have been and what causes you support and why?

JK: We all have the ability to make a difference. Even if we can only contribute something small to make the world a better place, it does make a difference. I believe that even the smallest action can cause a ripple that will hopefully, one day not far out, turn into a wave.

Since starting this company, we have many different charities and causes that we will begin to work with, from helping children in Africa to Cancer Research and Prevention and, of course, UN Women National Committee Canada. Now, with greater means, it is exciting to know that we can make larger ripples and create massive waves. We founded the company with the mantra to “Be Amazing” in mind.

For us, being amazing is about making a difference in people’s lives; inspiring people to see that they are a part of something bigger and that they, in fact, can make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. We often say, if we can put the Universe in our jewelry, just think of what else we can all do together!

UNWNCC: How did you discover the idea to place pieces of the Moon, Mars and rare Space Gems in your jewelry line and watch line?

JK: My grandfather always told me to “Reach for the Stars”; no matter what dream or idea I had, he influenced me to “go for it” and to never give up. And he sacrificed a lot for me to work on my endeavours. I guess you could say that I just listened to his advice and went for those stars. It wasn’t bad advice either, putting pieces of the Moon and Mars and the Space Gems inside our pieces was the biggest differentiating factor I could think of. The jewelry and watch industry is a crowded space and I wanted to do something so different and so unbelievable that it would make all of our products stand out. We worked with some of the top industry experts who discover materials and took it a step further to work with some of the top laboratories in the world to help authentic the materials.

UNWNCC: How would you describe the kind of woman who wears Zanis jewelry?

JK: She is an empowered woman and a woman who understands that she is a part of something bigger. She believes in herself and she combats the challenges of life with drive and perseverance and wears her experience [and her jewelry] with pride and confidence. She will not only be wearing the Universe, she will be a part of it and in control of it!

UNWNCC: Why did you decide to support UN Women National Committee Canada?

JK: Inspiration! Our team was inspired by the cause; inspired by the people; and most importantly, inspired by the purpose. We want to make a difference and motivate people to be more than themselves--to reach out to a world of minds and hearts and to act with love, confidence, and compassion.

UN Women launched their 2012/2013 Annual Report which documents UN Women’s work to foster women’s empowerment and gender equality around the world. It highlights some of the organization’s initiatives during the year and provides summary financial statements, a list of new programs and projects. Read more here.

Interview by Rowena Calpito

Zabeen Hirji is RBC's Chief Human Resources Officer with global responsibility for Human Resources as well as Brand, Communications and Corporate Citizenship. As a member of RBC's Group Executive, she is one of eight executives responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of RBC. Ms. Hirji's community leadership includes serving as Co-Chair of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council, member of the Governing Council for the University of Toronto and director of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance. In 2012, through the Women’s Executive Network, Ms. Hirji was inducted into Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Hall of Fame. She and her husband live in Toronto with their two children.

UNWNCC: Being one of the Women’s Executive Network Canada’s Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame inductees for 2012 is quite an achievement! What is one piece of wisdom to impart upon women who are also looking to make their mark?

ZH: It’s difficult to choose one thing, but I would say don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and take some risks. A career is like an investment portfolio – it’s about long-term success and the journey will entail taking risk. So it’s important to develop a personal tolerance for risk. As my career zigzagged across different businesses and functional areas, there was definitely a little fear involved – fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and even fear that a woman might not be accepted in a male-dominated business. I took some risks: I accepted a leadership role in RBC’s Credit Card Business despite having no prior experience; and I offered to lead the North American implementation of our HR Technology platform after we had a false start.

UNWNCC: Currently, what do you see as the biggest barriers women are facing in the corporate world?

Unconscious biases form blind spots in all of us — even those we would call “good people” — and lead to unintended consequences. Within businesses, we see unconscious biases play out. For example, false assumptions are made about women’s willingness to travel, or their ability to do certain types of work. Also there is a natural tendency for people to hire in their own image.

Another theme is mentors and sponsors. While talented women are more likely to have mentors, they are less likely to have sponsors. Mentors speak with you and provide career guidance, while sponsors speak about you and actively advocate for promotions. I’ve been fortunate to have had sponsors who championed my career, who took risks by giving me stretch assignments and pushed me to really push myself. These relationships are vital to breaking down barriers and unleashing potential.

I also see women placing barriers on ourselves. I find that when offered promotions or roles in new areas, women tend to take longer to get to ‘yes.’ They cite the need to finish the job, a sense of responsibility and loyalty to their teams. They are more likely to say, “I don’t think I am ready; I don’t have all the required skills.” As women we are less comfortable promoting ourselves and our accomplishments; it feels distasteful. We think keeping our heads down and doing great work is enough. That’s not the case.

Women need to understand what barriers we create for ourselves, seek out advice from mentors, managers and colleagues and actively work to break down those barriers.

UNWNCC: In the Women’s Empowerment Principles (a partnership initiative of UN women and the UN Global Compact), it is said that Equality means Business. A strong economy will result from fully integrating women into all facets of business and society. I understand diversity programs have been in place at RBC for a long time. How have these programs evolved over the years and with the changing times? What programs/ initiatives are currently in place to ensure the inclusion of women at all levels of the company’s operations?

ZH: This is so true. Whether as a business or as a nation, we simply cannot afford to underutilize our talent. When women realize their full potential, they win as individuals and we win as businesses and as a nation. Diversity and inclusion have huge potential to drive innovation and productivity. This goes beyond gender and includes culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, diversity of thought, etc. At RBC our diversity programs and inclusion initiatives are rooted in this premise. We say “having diversity is interesting; doing something with it is powerful”. Diversity and inclusion are both the smart thing and the right thing to do.

We have ambitious diversity goals for recruiting and promotions for executive and senior manager roles where at least one woman or visible minority is to be within our final candidate list; and our goal is for 50% of roles to be filled by women. We also ensure development plans are in place for women candidates who end up not being chosen for a specific role, so they can compete better in the future. Some people might call these quotas. They are goals, and admittedly they are ambitious, to be achieved through meritocracy. We establish goals for other matters that are important to the success of our business. This is no different.

We are focusing on taking diversity to the next level, which is about full inclusion. We established the Diversity Dialogues program, which pairs a talented woman (it’s open to men too) with a senior leader so they can learn from one another. The mentee gets career advice and the mentor learns about subtle biases and barriers experienced by this person. It’s very powerful, because it’s no longer hypothetical; it's about a real person’s experiences at RBC, engaging the leader in driving change. It truly moves the conversation around Diversity to one of inclusion. We all have unconscious biases that influence our actions and decisions. Even with good intentions and a belief in equality, as human beings we generally engage in behaviour that doesn’t line up with our intent. We can only move to the next stage of diversity and inclusion if we acknowledge the existence of our unconscious biases, devise strategies and take action to overcome them.

UNWNCC: Do you have any other insights you’d like to impart?

ZH: First, go outside your comfort zone – take risks and seek out challenges. I have never regretted the risks I took in work or life. Even if some of those risks didn’t live up to my expectations, I learnt valuable lessons in all cases.

Second, judge your success by your own standards – don’t get fixated on a singular definition of career success.

Third, manage work/life commitments thoughtfully – know what’s non-negotiable for you, make the tough choices and trade–offs and don’t try to be superwoman.

To sum up these points: Dream big, set goals and take action to get there.

According to the Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, launched on 1 July by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, significant and substantial progress has been made in meeting many of the eight Millennium Development Goals, the largest global anti-poverty push in history.

However, according to the report, progress is uneven, particularly for women and girls, and in many areas far from sufficient. Many women around the world are still dying in childbirth when we have the means to save them; only 53 per cent of births in rural areas are attended by skilled health personnel. In developing regions, women are more likely than men to work as contributing family workers on farms or other family businesses, with little or no financial security or social benefits. The report also acknowledges that persisting gender-based inequalities in decision-making continue to deny women a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Find out more about how women and girls are faring in progress towards each of these goals, and UN Women efforts towards meeting the MDGs by the end of 2015. Read the full report here.

By Celine Caira

The UN Women National Committee Canada once again joined the Aga Khan Foundation’s World Partnership Walk to create awareness for the World Partnership Walk. The World Partnership walk is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to fighting global poverty. The National Committee has supported World Partnership Walks in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal for over three years.

By participating in the World Partnership Walk, UN Women National Committee Canada has helped to highlight the formidable role of civil society organizations and local volunteer efforts in eradicating global poverty collectively For more information about the Walk, please refer to the press release.

Interview by Rowena Calpito

UN Women National Committee Canada had the honour to talk to Her Excellency, Florence Zano Chideya, Ambassador of Zimbabwe and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps. Ambassador Chideya has 20 years of public service in Health, Industry & Commerce, Tourism and Foreign Affairs. She has held various positions in the health sector from clinician to administrator in UK, US & Zimbabwe and is Active in community service programs including serving on a number of boards of directors including the Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Arts Council and The President’s Fund. She was also the Managing Director and Owner, African Adventures, a travel/tourism company. In 2005 she was appointed 6th Ambassador to Canada.

UNWNCC: Since your appointment as Dean of African Ambassadors, what have been some of the major milestones of your office in terms of addressing gender issues faced by women and girls in Africa?

FZC: Since my appointment as Dean, the African Group has hosted the first Women’s Trade and Investment Opportunities Conference in Toronto from 27 to 29 May 2013. The conference, which was part of Africa Week Golden Jubilee celebrations, was held under the auspices of the African Women Diplomatic Forum (AWDF), a sub-group of the African Diplomatic Group, brought African women face to face with their Canadian counterparts, as well as those from the Continent, in order to network and create practical business and investment partnerships. It followed the realization that women constitute an estimated 70 per cent of the informal economy in Africa. 

We, therefore, felt that creating opportunities for women to network with Canadian businesses would improve their earning potential, thereby assisting families to move out of poverty and contribute to the overall economy. The conference, coordinated by the High Commissioner of Rwanda was attended by about more than 200 women from 24 African countries. It was an opportunity to enhance positive creation of Pan-African integration, a concept currently encouraged by the African Union.

Besides this grouping there are other groupings such as Women Ambassadors of Ottawa, (W.A.O.). Together we navigate the diplomatic landscape of Canada currently coordinated by the High Commissioner of Malaysia.

UNWNCC: You are truly a great leader and role model to women everywhere with an astounding career of 20 years of public service and community engagement and as well a business owner. What would your message be to women and girls around the world about leadership?

FZC: Women can multitask and accomplish several assignments at a time. They must therefore take advantage of this attribute to benefit society as a whole. I would also say that when one is afforded that opportunity, one must work hard, as with any job, remain committed and find ways to not run out of steam. It is insufficient for women to benefit from affirmative action in favour of women, without studying the rules of the game. They need to develop networking expertise, and break down institutional and mental barriers. As a matter of fact, one could benefit from a variety of methods such as mentoring activities and learning from the best, etc.

Women must also learn how to engage both men and women in dialogues to change mindsets. When one is at work, one’s gender becomes unimportant. Hence, I would say, make use of the position to make waves in the workplace as well as in the social ladder, both sexes are equally capable. I say : Practise the art of possibility, Initiate excellence in your area of expertise, put your own personality and strive to leave a mark in whatever you wish to pursue, you can do it.

UNWNCC: Gender equality still alludes us in today's world with the majority of leaders around the world are male. What do you see as the greatest barriers still facing women today? How can women's voices be heard?

FZC: I was so disheartened when one gentleman said to me a woman’s enemy is a woman because they do not support each other. He argued that the world consist of more women than men and was puzzled as to why women won’t vote each other into political offices. The world over, women have the responsibility of supporting each other. The greatest barrier still facing women today appears to be psychological oppression. They are waiting for someone to rescue them, this will not happen, if it does, remember that it may not be open ended. Women need to free themselves from the misconception that certain fields are reserve for men only. In my country at the moment there is a ‘Vote for a Woman Campaign’ to sensitise women that it is up to them to have adequate representation at all levels of government and private sector levels it shows me that women do possess the keys to promote themselves in most fields.

We have a few women who are doing well in highest levels of authority today which include: Angela Merkel of Germany and Christine Lagarde at the I.M.F. In Canada there is an emergence of numerous female Premiers in the various provinces. In a nutshell women need to work together to amplify their voice to be heard.

 

By Aviva Silburt

UN Women National Committee Canada (UNWNCC) has forged a new partnership with Global Warming Protection Technologies Inc. (GWPT), an ever growing Canadian-based research and design corporation focused on addressing pressing environmental needs.

On July 20th, GWPT hosted an open house to celebrate the construction of the first LEED Certified Home in Don Mills, Toronto, which was designed by GWPT CEO Steven Poulos. To honour GWPT’s new partnership with UNWNCC, the open house was dedicated as an exclusive fundraiser for UNWNCC, with all the guests invited to make contributions to support the advancement

The event featured an art exhibit by Lorne Wagman, special performances by two-time Juno nominee and Canadian Urban Music Award winning singer, Belinda Brady, and a live auction for three unique timepieces that were donated by high end jeweler, Zanis & Co., which contained authenticated fragments of the Moon, Mars and rare Space Gems.

UNWNCC President Almas Jiwani was honoured with the Gender and Environment Sustainability Award in recognition of her work and dedication to advance gender equality in all areas. She was also announced as a new member of GWPT’s Advisory Board. Her Excellency Florence Zano Chideya, Ambassador of Zimbabwe and Dean of African Ambassadors in Canada travelled from Ottawa to attend the event, and delivered a moving speech about the importance of sustainability and development in Africa--signalling the positive impacts that will result from UN Women’s new partnership with GWPT.

The event was very successful, and Almas captured the audience with a speech about the impacts UNWNCC’s new partnership with GWPT will have for women and girls around the world. Her speech sparked an interest in UN Women NCC, and resulted in many donations, and membership purchases.

UNWNCC would like to thank GWPT for hosting this event and their continued support.

Almas Jiwani accepts her Gender and Environment Sustainability Award from Steven Poulos, CEO, GWPT.

UN Women National Committee Members.

Two time Juno Nominee and Canadian Urban Music Award Recipient Singer/Songwriter Belinda Brady performs.

Almas Jiwani displays the unique Nuvati Watch create by Zanis & CO. for their Universe Watch and Jewellery Line. The watch was generously donated as part of a silent auction for the fundraiser.

Almas Jiwani, was honoured with the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) Excellence Award. The Award Committee unanimously awarded Ms. Jiwani in recognition of her work towards women's empowerment and development in Africa. Under Jiwani's leadership, UN Women National Committee Canada has grown into a national organization of women and men working to support the overall UN Women mandate in its efforts to empower women and seek gender equality worldwide.For more information about this award click here.

Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women National Committee Canada was presented with a Women's Advancement Forum's 2013 MDG Meritorious Award by Governor's wife, Her Excellency Olufunso Amosun,in Johannesburg. The award is sponsored by DuPont and is presented for contribution to realization of Millennium Development Goals. For more info click here.

Almas Jiwani, was honoured with the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) Excellence Award. The Award Committee unanimously awarded Ms. Jiwani in recognition of her work towards women's empowerment and development in Africa. Under Jiwani's leadership, UN Women National Committee Canada has grown into a national organization of women and men working to support the overall UN Women mandate in its efforts to empower women and seek gender equality worldwide. For more information about this award click here.

On August 8th, UN Women supports the efforts of indigenous women who are bringing change in their communities worldwide. Check out this infographic for more information.

UN Women National Committee Canada would like to thank Jason Cameron (JC) of Just Creative Services for his ongoing support in helping us to raise awareness about the importance of empowering women around the world. Thanks to JC our organization has been present at some key events held in the Toronto area.

Just Creative Services is a full service Event Management Company. It is headed up by Jason Cameron who has been in the entertainment and fashion industry for almost 14 years. He has worn many hats within this industry by starting off as a booker, wardrobe stylist, acting agent, fashion show choreographer, and many many more. He has worked with top retailers and designers producing and co-ordinating fashion shows as well as Events & Galas.

Since its inception in 1993, UN Women National Committee Canada and its President, Almas Jiwani, have worked tirelessly to promote and raise awareness for equality for all women. Over the years major milestones have been made in educating the need for women's rights, respect, empowerment, and equality. In 2010 the Canadian National Committee, under the leadership of Almas Jiwani , expanded its gender based equality efforts in more parts of Canada than the organization's history. But the fight is far from over. More needs to be done, not just in Canada, but around the world. You can do your part by becoming a member and supporting UN Women Canada's efforts to continue its fight for women and girl’s equality around the world. 

Your membership fee will allow UN Women Canada to administer its work in Canada, to raise awareness on the plight of women in developing countries, and continue to organize information evenings and fundraising events. We are dependent upon our membership revenue to support the continued work of a National Committee for UN Women in Canada. To join or donate or renew your membership to UN Women National Committee Canada please click here. UNWNCC members also get to attend several events, take a look at our image gallery below!

Almas Jiwani gives a talk to fourth year University of Montreal students about UN Women and the Millenium Development Goals.

Almas Jiwani with other high profile guests at the Annual Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) Gala in Ottawa.

President Almas Jiwani at the Global Connect Forum in Portland.

The latest issue of Sync Magazine includes an indepth interview with Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women National Committee Canada. Read the interview here.

Editor: Rowena Calpito

Editor's Note: This newsletter could not have been produced without the contributions of our dedicated volunteers. I would like to thank: Celine Caira, Helen Lam, Yazmin Sanghera, Angie Seth, Aviva Silburt, Sandy Chohan, Alexandra Lucchesi and Cassandra Fong for their assistance. A big thank you goes to Ivana Bjelic Vucinic, my wonderful proof reader, who never ceases to amaze me with the quality of her detailed reviews!

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge our President, Almas Jiwani. Her dedication to the cause has truly been an inspiration to us all.