Helping Women Break the Glass Ceiling

Women in Governance: Establishing Parity in the Workplace

My childhood in Lebanon, marked by the civil war, awakened a deep awareness of injustices, especially those endured by women. This early realization of injustice and discrimination shaped my sensitivity to gender equality issues.

These personal and professional experiences motivated me to create Women in Governance. My professional journey in the corporate world also played a key role in my commitment to parity. As I climbed the ranks, I realized that even in progressive societies like Canada, women faced significant barriers in the business world. I observed a glaring gap between the number of qualified women and their representation in senior management positions and boardrooms.

These personal and professional experiences motivated me to create Women in Governance in 2010. My goal was to offer support and inspiration to women, encouraging them to develop their leadership, advance their careers, and access decision-making positions. I also wanted to emphasize the importance of men's roles in achieving gender equality. At Women in Governance, we launched the first Parity Certification™ in North America in 2017, in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, to reduce the gender gap in Canada and the United States while considering intersectionality and the additional challenges faced by women from underrepresented groups.

…these personal and professional experiences motivated me to create Women in Governance…

Our team’s efforts have been recognized multiple times, earning prestigious nominations and awards.  I was nominated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the national committee for gender equality in 2018 and have had the privilege of being named among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, Top 100 Entrepreneurs Changing the World, Top 75 Great Canadian Immigrants, Top 20 Diversity Leaders in Quebec, and receiving the United Nations Women’s Award, among others.

Gender equality is essential for a fair society and a prosperous economy. When men and women have the same rights and opportunities, and are treated equally, it builds a fairer, more inclusive, and resilient community where women are free to pursue their passions and interests and are more likely to make significant contributions to society.  Women represent 51% of the population and are an important source of labor, especially in a context of talent scarcity. When fully integrated into the economy, it boosts economic growth and prosperity for all.

Companies that promote gender equality tend to be more innovative and competitive because they can draw from a broader pool of talents and perspectives.  Narrowing the gender gap in companies goes beyond a mere statement of intent. It requires persistent efforts, unwavering dedication, and, above all, decisions grounded in empirical data. Only this measured approach allows organizations to effectively navigate toward reducing the gender gap. The saying "What gets measured gets managed" is particularly relevant in the context of the gender gap because without understanding the scope, subtleties, and root causes of the problem, it is difficult, if not impossible, to design effective solutions.

To help organizations initiate meaningful change, Women in Governance launched its flagship Parity Certification™ in 2017! With nearly one million employees working for a certified Parity organization in North America today, we are concretely bridging the gender gap in the workplace, promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion proven to drive innovation and improve organizational performance. In a world where female leadership is increasingly important, companies that have obtained Women in Governance’s Parity Certification™ benefit from a significant competitive advantage at all levels, and we hope that the day will come when all companies in our ecosystem will be part of the movement.

Our Parity Certification™ stands out as a concrete and structured approach to measuring and then closing the gender gap. The Certification provides a clear and standardized framework, ensuring that all participating organizations are evaluated according to a consistent set of criteria, making it a trusted industry benchmark.  Its holistic approach means it does not just tackle the obvious symptoms of gender disparity but delves deeply into the structures, policies, and practices of organizations. This ensures a thorough understanding and the potential for impactful changes. Moreover, the Parity Certification™ emphasizes intersectionality, recognizing the multifaceted identities and challenges faced by women who identify with multiple marginalized groups.

Continuous evaluation is a cornerstone of the certification. Ongoing self-assessment and external reviews mean that it is not just a one-time badge of honor but a continuous journey. As societal perceptions change and organizations undergo transformations, methods for achieving gender equity need to be reviewed and refined. Regular evaluations to measure progress ensure accountability and help identify areas where the strategy might falter, requiring recalibration.

In collaboration with our consulting partners, Accenture, Mercer Canada, and WTW, we prepare a personalized and detailed report for each company to provide a true plan, with recommendations, benchmarking, and best practices, enabling them to progress toward Parity. By engaging in the Parity Certification™ journey, companies will be introduced to exemplary programs and policies to implement, adopting the highest standards in recruitment, training, promotion, compensation, talent management, etc. Depending on their advancement in the gender parity journey, these organizations can aspire to distinctions at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels. 

For those not yet meeting the criteria, recommendations will be provided, confidentially, to support and guide their future efforts.  We strongly urge all organizations, even those that think they are not yet ready for Certification, to immerse themselves in this process as the Parity Certification™ offers a platform to benefit from the necessary expertise to embark on a concrete journey toward parity, resulting in profound and lasting changes.  Our recognized expertise will allow you to accelerate your journey toward an equitable workplace and benefit from a strong employer brand!  More than 150 major companies have trusted Women in Governance since 2017, in industries as varied as finance, insurance, education, telecommunications, hospitality, high technology, engineering, professional services, aeronautics, transportation, crown corporations, etc.  Obtaining the Parity Certification™ can significantly enhance an organization's reputation and send a clear message to stakeholders, clients, investors, and potential employees about the company's genuine commitment to gender equality.

Organizations that achieve Parity Certification™ are celebrated twice a year at prestigious Galas in Toronto (spring) and Montreal (fall).  Our Galas are always co-chaired by a woman and a man at the head of a certified company. Our next Montreal Gala will take place on September 19, 2024, at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, co-chaired by Deborah Orida, CEO of PSP Investments, and Denis Ricard, CEO of Industrial Alliance.  Hundreds of executives from major companies, CEOs, Board Chairs, Ministers, etc., participate in these must-attend events in both cities, in an inspiring and festive atmosphere.

Caroline Codsi is a trailblazer for gender equality in corporate sectors. She founded Women in Governance in 2010, the organization that launched the first North American Parity Certification™ in 2017 that has reshaped workplaces and is endorsed by global giants like Accenture, FedEx, Pfizer, Rolls Royce, and many other industry leaders. With a diverse board portfolio and global advocacy, including TEDx talks and fireside chats with Top CEOs, Chairs of Boards, and public figures like Hillary Clinton, Justin Trudeau, Princess Sarah Zeid of Jordan, Lord Mayor of the City of London, Tarana Burke, Randy Zuckerberg, to name just a few. Caroline is the recipient of numerous prestigious national and international awards. She was named Top 20 Diversity Leading Figure in Quebec, Top 75 Canadian Immigrant, Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, and Top 100 Entrepreneurs changing the world.