Carleton University’s Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership, in collaboration with Deloitte, is launching a benchmark study of women’s leadership.
Similar in style to a 2009 White House report in the United States, the study will present the current state of women’s leadership in key Canadian sectors, determine challenges and opportunities, and make recommendations about what key sectors and policy-makers can do to achieve a more gender-inclusive leadership.
“This will be an important barometer of how we are faring when it comes to women’s contributions to democratic and economic life and give us a baseline for measuring progress,” says Clare Beckton, the centre’s executive director. Beckton is working on the study with colleagues Pauline Rankin, Jennifer Stewart and Susan Phillips, director of Carleton’s School of Public Policy and Administration.
“We hope that our report will serve to educate decision-makers and inform policy decisions in the coming years so that Canada’s leadership is sufficiently diverse to capitalize on opportunities for prosperity,” said Beckton.
According to Jane Allen, Partner and Chief Diversity Officer with Deloitte, “Despite the sincere efforts of organizations, women continue to be under-represented in leadership positions in Canada. We are thrilled to be involved in a benchmark study designed to shed light on gender inclusive leadership in Canada and help businesses, governments and NGOs incorporate a culture whereby talent and ability are what defines success.”
Carleton’s collaboration with Deloitte is fitting, said Beckton, because the company is a leader in recognizing the value of improving opportunities for bringing more diverse perspectives and ideas to decision-making.
“We are very pleased to be working with Deloitte and appreciate the firm’s support.”
The results of the study will be published in September 2012.
About the Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership:
Carleton University’s recently established Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership promotes equitable representation of women in democratic institutions at all levels of government and in all positions of leadership within the public, private and non-profit sectors. This non-partisan centre works to strengthen public leadership by providing outstanding education, training, dialogue and research. The centre works with a wide range of partners to enhance women’s influence and leadership in public life, in Canada and internationally.
About Deloitte:
Deloitte, one of Canada’s leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services through more than 8,000 people in 56 offices. Deloitte operates in Québec as Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche. Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership, is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. and its member firms.
For more information:
Caitlin Kealey
Media Relations
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 8718
Caitlin_Kealey@carleton.ca
Jeanne d’Arc Umurungi
National Manager, Media Relations
Deloitte
416-874-3518
jumurungi@deloitte.ca