International Women’s Day 2025: Breaking Barriers
What Is International Women’s Day and Why Is It Important?
March 8, 2025 is International Women’s Day – a day where we celebrate the numerous social, economic, and cultural achievements that women have achieved since the early 1900s. International Women’s Day allows everyone to reflect on how women’s rights have developed throughout the years in various aspects, both within the workplace and within our society as a whole.
How Does the Ontario Human Rights Code Protect Women at Work?
More importantly, International Women’s Day represents a call to action to reflect on its achievements as well as a call to action to continue the fight to protect and improve women’s rights. In Ontario, legislation such as the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Pay Equity Act provide legislative means and protections for women in the workplace in various ways. The Pay Equity Act aims to achieve pay equity by redressing gender-based discrimination so that women can receive equal compensation for work at equal value, while the Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination based on gender, sex (pregnancy), and family status. These legislation prevent employers from discriminating women in the workplace simply due to their gender and provides proactive measures for women to place greater accountability on employers to protect women’s rights.
Despite these protections, women continue to face gender inequality in the workplace today. Women continue to face pay equity concerns, discrimination, and are often underrepresented in leadership positions in most industries. For many, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity for both employers and employees to evaluate and provide feedback on improving workplace policies and legislation to improve women’s experiences at work. Taking action to promote women-forward policies, legislation, training, and contributions are just some of the steps that women may take to support women in the workplace and help bring gender equality into the workplace.
Where Can You Get Help If You Face Workplace Discrimination?
If you are experiencing pay equity issues or are facing discrimination in the workplace due to gender, please contact us today online or by phone (416) 640-2667.
Author – Abby Leung