Break the Bias is the theme for International Women’s Day 2022.
It’s all about imagining a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
The official website for International Women’s Day also talks about a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive where difference is valued and celebrated.
International Women’s Day was recognized for the first time on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The Day was later celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975.
Acadia Broadcasting Corporation recognizes a few individuals in Thunder Bay:
Linda Kelly (Kelly Mental Health)
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Owner of Kelly Mental Health feels the day is a way to reflect on the incredible feats that women have had to overcome in the fight for their rightful place.
Kelly tells Acadia News that she struggles daily with imposter syndrome, which was first introduced in 1978 under the term impostor phenomenon.
It affects high achieving individuals, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments and question whether they are deserving of accolades.
“People will say (to me) ‘you founded this successful company, how in the world could you think you don’t know what you are doing?’ and I say because I see so many others seeming to do things better, and I doubt myself,” said Kelly. “According to mental health research, a man in the same position wouldn’t doubt themselves the way that a woman would.”
A review in 2019 of 62 studies on the syndrome found that anywhere from 9 to 82 per cent of people report having thoughts along these lines at some point.
Erin May (Body Mind Centre)
This company has been in Thunder Bay for 27 years and has thrived under its majority-female team.
The BodyMind Centre is owned by Erin May, and she talks about why she believes in International Women’s Day…
“It is important to have these days that honour different groups, so the awareness can be there for others who feel there may still be challenges. Instead of highlighting the differences I always rather find the similarities between all of us,” May noted.
Dr. Janet DeMille (Thunder Bay District Health Unit)
It’ll be ten years in September since Dr. Janet DeMille joined the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU).
She started in the role as Associate Medical Officer of Health alongside the now-retired Dr. David Williams and is always thinking of the next generation of doctors.
“I think it’s always important to look at those that are coming after us, and say how can we support more women being in fields that used to be male-dominated,” DeMille noted. “(I look at) colleagues, both when I was a family physician but also as I’ve served in public health, who are women and who mentored me in the role and I still have many connections to them and I look up to them.”
DeMille assumed the role as Medical Officer of Health when Dr. Williams was named Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health in February of 2016.
She added the title of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January 2018.
Kristi Campbell (Superior North EMS)
Campbell has been a full-time member of Superior North EMS since 2003.
She points to her mother as an influential figure in her life.
“She was a nurse, who worked so hard and was an amazing mom,” said Campbell. “She never, ever put limitations on my sister and me, so we were never under the impression that there were boundaries for us or that there was a job we couldn’t do. I was always encouraged that if I wanted something, to work hard and go get it.”
Being a paramedic used to be a male-dominated profession, but Campbell notes men and women working alongside each other is the norm.
“There used to be a lot of biases and challenges coming into this profession when I started,” “I think these days the community that has been slower to adapt. We still get comments such as ‘are you sure you’re going to be able to lift me?’ or things along that line. We serve a community that is diverse and we reflect that in our staff.”
Sheila Chiodo (Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board)
The Superintendent of Business and Corporate Services feels International Women’s Day is a day to recognize assertive and inspiring women, who have paved the way for leadership roles and continue to do so.
“When I began at the Board, leadership roles were primarily held by men. It took years for women to gain roles as Directors, Superintendents, Trustees etc. especially when the education field is primarily made up of women,” Chiodo said in a statement to Acadia News. “It is with hope, this shift continues. Together, having a balanced team of both men and women brings all perspectives to the table.”
“Throughout history, women have always been nurturers for children, however, we are starting to see a change/shift where men and women both have become nurturers for students. There is less pressure for women to be responsible in attaining to be “everything”, as in a mother/daughter/wife/homemaker/professional. There is a balance between partnership and responsibility, and it’s refreshing and a long time coming.”
