Women make up more than 80% of the workforce in healthcare and social services. They work in every sector of our institution. Around the world, women continue to transform society and work toward gender equality. They reshape the world we live in through their innovation and perseverance. March 8 was International Women’s Day, and to mark the event we asked several of them to share their thoughts.
- To me, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the societal progress that has been made on gender-related issues over the past century. Until all human beings—regardless of gender identity, anatomy, or other characteristics—enjoy equal standing in all spheres of society, such celebrations will continue to show us how far we have come and how far we still have to go.
Tiffany Crotogino, Translator, Communications, Media Relations, and Legal Affairs Directorate
- For me, March 8 is a day to pay tribute to all of the women working in the healthcare network. They are immensely inspiring, consistently pushing the envelope and contributing to something greater than themselves. I am deeply touched by their dedication, and it guides me day by day. You, my colleagues, help make me a better woman!
Annick Jasmin, Senior Advisor—Community Health and Partnerships, Multidisciplinary Services Directorate
- I see International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the efforts, dedication, and leadership of women. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the challenges they face in the healthcare sector, and to promote equal opportunity, pay equity, and respect of their fundamental rights in the workplace.
Manon Rivest, Administrative Technician, Nursing Directorate
- March 8 calls attention to and celebrates the journey toward equality. This day reminds me to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of women’s causes so that our tenuous equality persists and continues to progress. For me, that means passing on the values I was taught—including integrity, dedication, generosity, and solidarity—to those I meet and work with.
Claire Roy, Assistant to the Director of Youth Protection Directorate—Community Relations
- As a tomboy growing up, playing the boy sports, I never thought I was inferior. Sports gave me confidence to compete for anything, and succeed. I am not a feminist—I fight for fairness in everything I do. On March 8, I’d reflect that anything in life is possible, if you show up, aim high and work hard. We’re all different and unique.
Judy Martin, Member of the Board of Directors
- To me, March 8 is a day for all of us to remember that women’s voices must be heard. To reiterate that the choices they make about their reproductive and sexual health, their pregnancy, birthing experience, and motherhood must be respected. It’s an opportunity to recognize the women who bear the children of this world with strength and courage. It is my great privilege to work with them!
Magali Letarte, Midwife
- We are fortunate to be in Québec, a society with well-developed policies and perspectives on equity. Despite that, we are still confronted by gestures and words that keep women vulnerable. To continue transforming and improving these realities, we must remain vigilant not only on March 8 but every day.
Marie-France Brizard, Associate Director General, Integration of services, management by care trajectories and academic affairs
- International Women’s Day recognizes and celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women around the world. It’s also an opportunity to make all communities aware of issues related to gender equality in both our everyday and professional lives. We still have a long way to go. But together, we will get there.
Elvi Cruz, Talent Acquisition Specialist—HR Marketing, Human Resources Directorate
- For me, International Women’s Day is a day to express gratitude for the incredible women in my life—mentors, colleagues, friends, mother and daughter—who’ve influenced my path. This day serves as my reminder to support, uplift and celebrate women. Building inclusive communities requires more than intention, it requires action. We can accomplish the unimaginable when we do it together.
Nathalie Laviolette, Senior Advisor—Services to Indigenous Communities and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Safety
- For me, March 8 acknowledges the struggles of our grandmothers and other exceptional women who laid the groundwork for the freedom today’s women have to define their own professional, personal, and family paths. There has been much progress, but much still remains to be done. We must stand strong against the rise of right-wing conservatism and its drive to push women back into subservience so that future generations don’t need to start from scratch.
Nathalie Pigeon, Program Manager—Infection Prevention and Control Department
- On March 8 we should all take a minute to reflect on the incredible contributions women have made in the healthcare field. With this role comes great responsibility that isn’t always valued, and so we must continue to advocate. I personally believe it is a privilege to be working alongside so many inspirational female colleagues.
Ina Winkelmann, Associate Director—Mental Health and Addiction Programs Directorate