IWD 2023: Q&A with Andrea Davies, Director of Operations for Ontario and British Columbia

International Women’s Day is on Wednesday.?Read the latest in our discussions with Dye & Durham’s women leaders about the significance of the day and their insights on gender equity. Andrea Davies, Director of Operations for Ontario and British Columbia, shares her thoughts, including the challenges of being a working mother.?

What does IWD mean to you???

I wake up every day mindful of and very grateful for the opportunities and autonomy I have in my life, so for me IWD is a day to reflect on what I have been able to achieve as a result of the efforts and sacrifices of women historically. It’s also a very important reminder that my privileges, independence and opportunities are not available to all women.? Every day women are experiencing domestic and gender-based violence, are raising children alone and unsupported, unable to obtain meaningful employment because of lack of access to education or childcare and are facing deprivation of basic rights that many of us take for granted.??

How does this year’s theme align with Dye & Durham’s broader mission??

Obviously here at Dye & Durham, we're well aware of how technology can be transformative for our clients and customers. So imagine what it can do for disadvantaged or underprivileged women and girls around the world. It can provide access to opportunity, education and paths to better lives, so I was heartened to see this year's theme highlighting the game-changing power of technology and the huge role it can play in gender equity.?

What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially in the workplace???

?I think it’s important that we keep an open mind and allow for honest conversations about why negative stereotypes exist in the first place. We have to make space for candid and sometimes uncomfortable discussions. I hold myself accountable to seek out different opinions and perspectives and I welcome having my own perceptions challenged and changed.??

What can men do to help to achieve equality???

Talk to the women around you about equality and what that means for them, and share your ideas and opinions. It’s critical that men actively participate in the conversation around gender equality. Think about and act upon ways to support the women around you, even if it seems small or insignificant.??

What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work???

In my own life I’ve seen significant progress. My grandmothers didn’t have the opportunity to attend university, work outside the home or achieve financial independence. Saying that now in 2023 sounds almost unbelievable. At work, I’m not only working with more women than I ever have before, I’m also seeing shifts in the type of roles occupied by women. Early in my career, for example, there were very few women in positions above the manager level and there were no women in technology or finance roles at all.?

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you, or a corporate leader who inspired you and has influenced your leadership style???

I had the privilege of working for an inspiring female leader early in my career who had significant influence in shaping my own views and approach to leadership. At the time and in the context of feeling like being a young woman was a disadvantage in the workplace, it was inspiring to have a leader who embraced being a woman and was proud to bring a female perspective to leadership. The experience taught me to be brave and break boundaries and also reinforced my belief that you can be strong, decisive and effective while also leading with authenticity, honesty and compassion.?

What motivated you to step up and become a leader in the organization????

?First and most importantly, having the opportunity to do so.? I also believed that I could make a positive impact and accomplish great things for the benefit of everyone around me.? The other key motivating factor was the sense of responsibility I felt to help others achieve their goals. That’s because I had the advantage of working with incredibly smart and accomplished people who have been generous and very patient at times in leading and coaching me throughout my career.?

Any advice for women in the workplace, especially women who are tackling more than one role — for example, working mothers, caregivers, etc.??

I’m very proud of and fulfilled by being a mother who works outside the home. With that said, it’s important to be honest about how difficult that role is. It’s hard, it can be exhausting, sometimes you feel like an awful wife, mother and ineffective employee all at the same time despite the fact that you are giving 100 per cent on all fronts.?

Setting clear boundaries and being protective of both work and personal time have helped me significantly. I also try to be more forgiving of myself and just focus on moving forward when I feel like I’ve been less than my best self in any one area of my life.?

Finally, it’s really helpful to talk with other women in similar circumstances. I especially enjoy swapping stories about missed tooth-fairy visits, forgotten anniversaries, frantic day-care drop-offs and laptops accidentally left at home, etc.?