Can you imagine a world where true gender equality exists? A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination that fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.
A wonderful concept to work towards, right?
For women in Canada and around the globe, that is the reality they are striving towards. Women have faced systemic social, political, and economic barriers for centuries. This has hindered them from having their voices heard, earning respect, and getting a deserved seat at the table as proportionately as their male counterparts. To shed light on this issue, International Women’s Day was born.
What is International Women’s Day?
Every year on March 8th in Canada and worldwide, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). This day commemorates women’s worldwide social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It also reinforces the importance of continuing to cultivate gender equality both in the world and in the workplace. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity, and that’s because equity isn’t a nice to have – it’s an absolute must.
Canada’s Credit Unions Were First to Offer Loans to Women in Own Names
Regarding gender equality, Canada’s credit unions don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk too. As a value-based financial institution, the journey toward gender equality is deeply rooted in our DNA and history. For example, in 1961, Canadian credit unions became the first Canadian financial institution to offer women loans without needing a male co-signer. Credit unions continue to be longstanding supporters of helping uplift women in their personal and professional journeys. From providing financing opportunities to support female entrepreneurs to the leadership opportunities made to those looking to take their careers to the next level.
Don’t just take our word for it; the proof is in the pudding! Today, Canada’s credit unions continue to lead the charge toward gender equality in the financial sector – 30% of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) positions and 34% of Board of Director roles presently held by women. Simply put, credit unions across Canada understand the importance of empowering women to reach their full potential. Because when we do, we set ourselves on a path toward a more vibrant and inclusive credit union sector. Now that’s a win-win!
Today and every day, we are proud to celebrate the great strides women in leadership have made within Canada’s financial sector and worldwide. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we sat down with our Vice President of Finance, Amie O’Brien, to learn more about her journey to success in a male-dominated sector and the influences that have contributed to her success.
Which one woman has influenced you the most in your life?
There are so many women I take inspiration from. There are women I look to for career, ones that I look to for family values; there are certain women in my life that have done really hard things for the benefit of others that I look to. I would say I take the most inspiration from my family members like my mom and my grandmothers.
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
I feel like the barriers I have faced have been more overcoming internal obstacles.
I think I have put more obstacles in my own way – like when there is a job posting and I don’t have every single skill that is listed out for that job, I might not apply for it because I don’t feel like I’m already qualified for it. Where for some other people – they might just say “I’m going to go for it even though I’m not fully there yet”. It has taken having people believe in me and push me to do some of those things and then seeing success in those things for me to take those obstacles down.
Also, being aware of the things I really wanted in life. What my values are, what my passions are, and what’s going to bring me the most fulfilment. Especially when I was looking at a job – I wanted to find a job that would allow me to be involved and make things better around me, I wanted to bring value to the space I’m in. I was previously in a job where there were good benefits, I could just go to work and go home, and would be a great job for most people – but I wasn’t getting that fulfilment out of it. I didn’t feel like the work I was doing had that kind of impact. Even if I was trying to push myself, there was always things that would push me back down. So, I changed career paths so I could have that fulfilment in my job.
As a seasoned professional, what is the most important advice you would give young women hoping to enter a career in the financial services sector?
It’s not just numbers! One thing I have really learned as I have come up in my career is that relationships really matter. Not just building relationships to build yourself up but building up other people in their roles as well. It’s important to be a cheerleader for other people, to put your hand up to be involved in things. Don’t be afraid of challenges.
Also, if you’re having a difficult work-life balance – talk to someone about it. Talk to your boss about it – ask if it’s the right thing to be doing at the right time. Maybe right now is not the right time, but there is a time that it will be.
The relationship piece is important – its not just the technical stuff. It’s going to help you build up the trajectory you want and grow in your career. It’s really important, as is having support around you is important and building up other people is important. Because if you support other people, they are going to want to support you.
Out of curiosity, what was your first experience with a Credit Union?
My first experience I had, I believe, was in Grade 8 – because my mom had brought me to PG Savings to open an account. They had a program where if you got on Honor Roll or Principal’s List – they put money in your account for when you graduate from high school. My mom was a single-mom, she didn’t have a lot of extra for us, and I was a really good student – so it worked out to accumulate over time. We still have that program at Integris today!
Despite the challenges we face as women, Amie is proof that we still manage to achieve greatness, and Integris Credit Union is proud to be part of the journey.
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If you are looking for a financial institution committed to providing equal access to financial services for all and has paved the way for women to achieve leadership positions in the financial sector, then look no further – Integris Credit Union has you covered. Not yet a credit union member? Find your closest branch location or call our Member Services call centre at 1-866-554-3456 today.
