What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day is largely celebrated and known around the globe as a day to show your support for the equality, empowerment, and accomplishments of women. It's a day to really focus in and recognize how far women have come and all that they have achieved. It's a day that we as society need to acknowledge the strong capabilities of women, and stand for equality in all aspects of society.
Q&A With Maylin, Human Resources Manager
We want to hi-light one of our wonderful, hardworking employees for International Women’s Day. We have chosen our Human Resources Manager, Maylin, as she is a staple in our company who ensures that each employee feels valued, heard, and is performing to the best of their ability. Maylin has been described as helpful, genuine, and enthusiastic by her co-workers and we are confident that this is unanimously agreed upon throughout our company.
Maylin was born and raised in Panama, then began seeking new challenges in her personal and profession life and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia just over 7 years ago. After achieving a Master’s Degree in both Business Management and Human Resources, she found herself in the City of Prince Rupert and eventually started working for CityWest as our Human Resources Manager, and we are happy to have her on our team for the last year! In her spare time, Maylin enjoys travelling, hiking, photography, and spending time with her dogs Enzo and Loki.
In light of International Women’s Day, we decided to ask Maylin her thoughts on this day and what it means to her:
Q. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
A. To me this day represents a recognition and a celebration to each woman in the world, to celebrate and recognize our achievements, our culture and in general our contribution to society, economy and to equality. This day represents the promotion of our rights and to stop discrimination against women in many aspects of society. It has taken some time, but I do consider that we are moving forward to a better future for women.
Q. What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
A. In my personal experience, I have seen changes for the good. In a day to day basis, I can see women more open to do things that they would have been afraid of doing before, we want to take more chances and we want to prove wrong and accept challenges. As women, we have been able to show that we can do anything, and nowadays we can see women working in what was considered men's sport, men jobs and so on. I am happy that time has evolved but we still have to continue working on it.
Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
A. The best advice I was given was from my mom, she has always encouraged me to work hard for what I want, to believe in myself. She said if you don’t believe in yourself first, nobody is going to do it for you.
Q. Who is one woman who has inspired you the most?
A. I could mention famous and educated women but the one that has encouraged me and inspire me the most is my Mom. She is a very hard worker, with an excellent work ethic, who on a daily basis reminds me that nothing in this world is easy but we have to move forward and write our own story. She has taught me to never give up, to fight for what I want, and she has always been there in for me in my more difficult moments with the best advice and encouraging words.
Q. What advice can you give to women trying to further their careers?
A. I will tell them, nothing is impossible. Always picture yourself big and you will get there, sometimes it might seem like there is no hope, and you will start to see your dreams fade but if you keep fighting for what you want in your life, sooner or later you will get there. Learn from every experience, and mistake, never compare yourself with others and never let anybody tell you “You can’t”.
Part of our growth depends on upgrading/updating ourselves with information, knowledge, and experiences. With this being said, we have to understand that everything requires effort, sometimes tears, but the more you show up for yourself the more chances you have that your efforts can be recognized.
In addition, network, network, network- this is very important. Also, demonstrate that you are up for the challenge, don’t be shy to express your dedication and drive to grow in the company. Your co-workers are also a source of knowledge, ask for feedbacks, be confident, be someone people feel happy to be around and to work with, find a mentor at work or even outside of it, plan your goals and stay positive.
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International Women's Day Q&A - Women of CityWest
We also asked more amazing women in our company some questions about the female influencers they’ve encountered, advice they’ve received and given, and what International Women’s Day means to them. Here are some of the great answers they wanted to share:
Q. What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
A. In my life, I’ve seen where positions of authority were always given to men. Men were always paid more because back in the day, it was the man that technically supported the family. So, the men always got paid more than the women. Back then, the women’s job was just to take care of the family and be given little spending money to buy cosmetics and other things to look nice. Women were always able to be easily replaced by a man, because as soon as she got pregnant, she had to leave the workforce. So, companies didn’t usually invest in women because of that. From that to now, with women’s rights and their ability to fight for their positions, women have fought uphill battles and are now taking over companies and have positions of authority.
-Ronda, Cable Dispatcher
Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
A. The best advice I have ever received was from my grandmother, Gladys. She is 101 years old and has won the Walter Smith Visionary award. The advice she gave me was that everyone has their own path, do not compare them. Instead, carve your own.
-Tanya, Customer Service Supervisor
Q. Who would you say has been the main female influence in your life?
A. Throughout my life, there have been some people that have influenced my life in many aspects, but there is only one person who had the most impact on me as a person. My mother. My mom is… My hero. My best friend. My biggest supporter. My safe place. She inspires me to be kind and empathetic. She inspires genuine gratitude… to humble myself, to be aware of the abundance of blessings I have and knowing how precious life is. She inspires me to rejoice in times of joy and find laughter in the trials and pain. She inspires me to know my limitless potential, see my worth and beauty and not believe anything less. She inspires strength and confidence. My mom has been my biggest cheerleader from the beginning, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I get to be her kid.
-Tanzila, Technical Support Representative
Q. Who is one woman that has inspired you the most?
A. My pole instructor Luna. She's the one who is always encouraging us that we can do it, though sometimes it's a long way to go. She embraces who we are and what our true personalities, and generally accepts all concept of art/lifestyles. Most people consider pole dancing is a women's thing, but it's not. Fitness has no boundaries; women can also be strong. Luna shows me the unlimited possibilities of what a woman's body could do, it literally changed some of my stereotypes.
-Zhimeng, Content Creator