Occasional updates, comments, and reflections from President Feridun Hamdullahpur
Change happens all around us on a daily basis. I see change in the discoveries made here on campus. I see it in the young and talented minds who come here to learn and live every day. Today our community marks something that goes beyond those subtle, everyday changes, but recognizes a movement that lasts generations. Today we celebrate International Women’s Day.
The University of Waterloo was the first stop on the special HeForShe Get Free Tour this morning that brought representatives from HeForShe and United Nations Women to our campus. The Tour stop brought excitement and support to our campus with guest speakers, corporate HeForShe partners from DeBeers and special celebrity guest Edgar Ramirez, all sharing the importance of building a university and society that is truly equitable. The outpouring of support of those from across our campus community this morning was truly inspiring.
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.
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