It is important that we annually celebrate women and their successes, achievements, and progress on International Women’s Day. It is even more important that we continue every day to support each other in a way that respects and acknowledges everyone’s unique differences break the systematic barriers that women experience. We must acknowledge the biases that exist and use that to fuel change towards a more inclusive society. Equity is something we can work towards and celebrate the successes along the way.
The reality is that the world continues to fail women. The playing field is not always equal. Women are still undervalued, underpaid, and underrepresented. Indigenous women, Black women, women from racialized communities face additional barriers and obstacles as societal systems disrespect both their race and gender.
There has been some progress, but it is important that we understand where we are to get to where we rightfully want and need to be.
I recently had the opportunity to join a delegation of Canadian business leaders at the North American Leadership Summit alongside meetings between President Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau, and President Obrador in Mexico City. There were 15 business leaders from each of US, Canada, and Mexico. Canada’s delegation had equal representation of women and men and was the only country to have Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ representation. This was a decision made with intention that I was proud to bear witness to. That is progress.
Tabatha Bull
President & CEO of CCAB
Tabatha is Anishinaabe, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. Awarded CEO of the Year for 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Tabatha as CCAB’s president and CEO is committed to help rebuild and strengthen the path towards reconciliation and a prosperous Indigenous economy to benefit all Canadians. As an electrical engineer, Tabatha is committed to supporting Indigenous inclusion and diversity in Canada’s energy sector.
Serving the Indigenous community through CCAB’s commitment to support the Indigenous economy, Tabatha is an appointee to many boards, including the Dexterra Group, Wigwamen Inc., CN’s inaugural Indigenous Advisory Council, and Catalyst CEO advisory board in Canada to name a few.
Tabatha is dedicated to diversity and removing systematic barriers to improve opportunities for Indigenous business and women across all industry sectors.
