My Gender Equity: Lessons from my dad

As a clinical psychologist by training and former head of clinical services, I have witnessed the evolving landscape of gender equity. As a woman of colour, I bring a unique perspective, recognising the progress made so far and the work that still needs to be done, especially in achieving gender parity for women of colour in upper leadership positions.

A friend recently shared her experience as the only woman in her engineering tutorial group twenty years ago. Change is happening, albeit slowly, but the lack of female representation in the very top leadership roles in STEM fields remains.

This issue is not lost on my father, a retired electronic engineer who was taken aback by regressive attitudes towards women in his field when he migrated to this so-called first-world country. Throughout his career, he lamented the lack of female engineers and hoped for a future where women would have equal opportunities.

This made me contemplate the kind of change necessary for true gender equity.

I believe that men in leadership positions can play a pivotal role in driving this change. It is my hope that these men are fortunate enough to have partners and wives who have careers of their own. By experiencing the joys and challenges of balancing work and family life, they gain a deeper understanding of the need for gender equity. These men also have an opportunity to raise daughters who see themselves as capable of achieving anything they set their minds to.

Allow me to share a personal anecdote that exemplifies the kind of role modelling that can make a difference. When I was around six years old, my school teacher asked us to write down what our dads did. One child wrote that his dad walked up mountains; another said her dad fixed cars; yet another said his dad was a doctor and so on. But I wrote that my dad did the washing up. This seemingly simple act had a profound impact on me. His willingness to embrace household chores shattered societal gender roles of the eighties, affirming that women can aspire to anything.

Today, as a woman of colour, I face challenges, but my determination to pave the way for future generations remains unshakable.

To achieve true gender equity, we must challenge societal norms. We need role models who inspire young girls to dream big, regardless of the barriers they face.

As we reflect on the progress made and the work ahead, let us remember the importance of fathers, partners, and leaders who embody the spirit of gender equity. Together, we can create a world where everyone can pursue their ambitions and contribute to an inclusive society.

Let us be the change we wish to see.