Gender equality isn’t just something we read about in history books—it’s a living, evolving conversation that continues to shape whose voices are heard, whose opportunities open up, and how we care for one another.
On Wednesday, October 7, Ivy 9 Day invited students to reflect on why conversations about gender equality matter so deeply today. Together, students explored how to approach these topics with curiosity, empathy, and confidence.
“In everyday life, we just normalize gender inequality, so much so that we don’t realize which one is equal and which is not until someone tells us, and then we realize how big an impact there is,” Celine, Grade 9, said.
The Bigger Picture
To start the day, students came together in the foyer of the Beedie Fine Arts Centre to look at gender equality from a global, contemporary lens. Ms Yavari, Assistant Coordinator Ivy & Teacher, Science, led initial discussions for students to consider why it’s important to learn about gender equality, beyond CHS.
Ms Chow, Teacher, Social Studies, Senior School, continued with a presentation on the stats and facts, grounding the conversation in the history of the feminist movement and how women’s rights have evolved over time. She highlighted the disparities that still remain today, sharing stories about women’s wages in different parts of the world and illustrating the many ways gender inequality shows up in everyday life.
Did You Know: At the current rate of progress, gender equality is 300 years away? (Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): The Gender Snapshot 2022)
She also spoke about the reality of gender inequality here in Canada—from the gender pay gap to representation in leadership—and closed with a hopeful look at the benefits greater gender equality will bring going forward for everyone: equality is not a zero-sum game, but a rising tide that lifts us all.
“When Ms Chow was talking about the glass ceiling—people might not be able to see it, but now we will, and we can identify it,” Laviana, Grade 9, said.
Thoughtful Engagement
Throughout the day, students then engaged in activities, discussion, reflection, and collaborative learning in various sessions on themes of gender equality, from women in sport to women’s health, pay equity, and women in media. In small groups, students looked at real scenarios and data, and reflected on what that means for them, and how they can take action. The goal? Deeper discussions, including confidence in asking thoughtful questions, listening across differences, and articulating positions with care.
In one group—“Left Out of the Lab: Why Women's Health Gets Overlooked”—students first considered if they agreed or disagreed with various statements about women’s health. A video followed, which outlined some of the challenges faced by women in the medical system. Finally, students looked at an article of their choice, deep-diving into topics like women’s pain, seatbelts and car safety, and heart disease and heart attacks—all of which highlighted a disparity in medical care that women experience today. Throughout, students reflected with their peers on their learnings and how they can support change.
“Go get an answer, and if it doesn’t feel right for you, go get a second opinion!” Ms Wilson, Assistant Coordinator, Experiential Learning (Ivy Compass Program), Senior School, shared as parting advice for students. “Always make sure you are advocating for your health.”
Down the hall, “Game Changers: Gender Inequalities in Sport” with Ms Headley-Cooper, Assistant Program Coordinator, Athletics, Senior School, looked at four case studies related to women’s issues in sport, and discussed possible solutions while learning from our past. Students picked from four case studies:
- Reviewing the US women’s national soccer team’s fight for equal pay, and considering who decides what a fair contract is
- Learning more about the NCAA weight room controversy, and considering why an organization might give more resources to one tournament rather than another
- Reviewing the Norwegian handball team’s uniform controversy, and considering who should decide what athletes wear
- Reviewing the ban in Afghanistan on women playing sports, and considering what groups outside a country can do when a government blocks women from sport.
In groups of 3-5, students looked at why each event happened and came up with two solutions for their chosen case study.
For some, the topics were particularly relevant given their own lived experiences. Ari, Grade 9, attended the session on the Mahsa Amini Protests in Iran. “I felt like I really connected to that session because I am Persian, and the rest of my family is in Iran.”
Reflecting & Sharing
The day culminated in a synthesis project where students put some of their insights about feminism and gender inequality into a format of their choice. Students made short podcasts, designed posters, and created social media posts, among other types of final projects.
“I feel very lucky to be able to work at a school that supports this type of education for girls, and it was incredible to witness the empowered energy that came from the day,” Ms Yavari said. “I hope that students keep the conversations going at home, in their extracurriculars and in their lives outside of CHS.”
