Occasional updates, comments, and reflections from President Feridun Hamdullahpur
We heard passion and hope at the annual International Women’s Day Dinner last week. From our exceptional keynote speaker and Canada 150 Research Chair, Anita Layton, to our HeForShe Anthology writers and the group of dedicated community members, there were messages of hope and action. Hope and action to stand up to the challenges and setbacks that continue to plague our society and limit the potential of so many people.
Glacial. That is how Dominic Barton, our 11th chancellor and Global Managing Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company, described the progress of gender equity in the world. “It’s moving, but it’s glacial. There’s a lot of good intent, but it’s glacial,” Dominic said.
This is not where we want to be as a University or as a society.
Far from a simple concept of fairness, addressing gender equality is integral to the future of our nation, its people and our economic wellbeing.
It's been great spending time in East Asia with our incredible alumni and partners for the past week. We'll continue our efforts building institutional partnerships and connecting with University of Waterloo community members in this region until November 13, when our annual visit to this beautiful part of the world comes to an end.
Celebrating Waterloo's leadership on equity and innovation this month.
Celebrating our strong, early steps on a long, important journey towards gender equity.
There’s lots of work to do on equity, both here at UWaterloo and around the world. But we made a dent this week.
As the Spring term heats up and our University turns its focus to June, we have much to celebrate. In particular, I want to dedicate my comments today on Waterloo’s constantly growing and evolving role as a highly internationalized university, and one with a strong social mission.
