Rape Myths Hide Troubling Reality

2017-12-19T16:37:44+00:00December 7, 2016|Gender-based violence, Guest bloggers, Sexual abuse|

Woman looking at viewerUnderreporting of sexual assault is a problem we hear about frequently in Canada and around the world. Whether that underreporting is a result of police negligence, underfunding of sexual assault centres, police forces and labs, a biased judicial process, or poor sexual education in schools, what’s often missing from the discussion is recognition of how culture influences our understanding of sexual assault.

Culture is significant - it shapes who we are, our morals, ethics, principles, and how we connect to one another. Patriarchy, as a dominant force in Canadian culture, shapes who we become as individuals and who we are as a society. 

How to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence

2017-12-19T16:37:59+00:00November 30, 2016|Gender-based violence, Guest bloggers, Sexual abuse|

Woman looking at cameraWhen someone tells you about their experience of sexual assault, it can be difficult to know how to react. You may struggle to know what to say or worry about saying the wrong thing. You may want to help and be supportive, but not know how.

It’s important to understand that when someone shares their experience with you, the best thing you can do is listen to their feelings, thoughts and needs, and to support them in their healing process, whatever that may be. Everyone who experiences sexual assault will have different ways to handle the situation and to heal.

Negotiation Skills: What You Need to Succeed

2017-12-19T16:38:36+00:00November 22, 2016|Corporate, Guest bloggers, How to, Women’s poverty|

Women in office meetingRegardless of what’s going on in your personal life or what career path you have chosen, there is one skill that all people need to master: negotiating. Skilled negotiators are able to collaboratively solve problems and move ahead in their careers, so why aren’t women engaging in more negotiations? Fear.

According to Salary.com, 55% of women are nervous about entering negotiations, compared to only 39% of men. Women who choose to negotiate are often viewed as difficult to work with, or less feminine than other women who chose to accept what was given to them without making a fuss. Other research has shown that women are viewed this way regardless of whether they entered the negotiation with a smile or aggressive attitude.

Confidence Doesn’t Always Come Naturally – Even When You’re an Olympic Athlete

2017-12-19T16:38:52+00:00November 16, 2016|Empowering girls, Guest bloggers|

Stephanie LabbéThis summer, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio as the goalkeeper for the Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team. We played with determination, belief and so much heart and pride. 

I am so proud to have won a Bronze medal for Canada after leaving everything I had on the field. Going into the Olympics, and throughout, I had so much confidence in myself and the team because I knew we had trained so hard and were prepared for any obstacle that would be thrown at us.