Inspire Inclusion on International Women's Day

MFS NCR proudly celebrates the impact, initiative, and ingenuity of all women within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community. This year, the International Women’s Day theme is “Inspire Inclusion” with the resonating message that when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
(https://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

When we look at our community, the women who make up the fabric of the CAF community consistently inspire us. This month, we reached out to Maj. Maggie LaBerge for some insight and inspiration from her perspective as an actively serving CAF member who is also a CAF spouse and mother to three girls.

We asked Maj. LaBerge to share with us what International Women's Day means to her  For me, it is a celebration of everything women have achieved, what we are, and what we could be. It's a call to action for positive change, equality, and inclusion. 

I think it's not enough to break the glass ceiling and say "we've arrived". We need to keep pursuing belonging for everyone. Look around and see who still doesn't have voice at the table. It's not something that will happen overnight and will take consistent, persistent effort; and it's worth it.

Moreover, she shared with us some of her personal experiences with the power of inclusion, as a woman in the Canadian Armed Forces.I've come to learn that there's a huge difference between a world of grudging accommodations and an environment of welcoming, inclusion, and belonging. As a CAF member, I've seen what can be accomplished in a team where every member feels welcome and empowered; not only is it just an awesome place to work but it's also incredibly powerful.

With her lived experience within her CAF community, we asked Maggie to share with us what she might say to women interested in a potential career in uniform. If you're thinking about a career in the CAF, I encourage you to take that first step. Ask the questions and learn as much as you can. See if you can talk to someone doing the jobs. There are so many different opportunities out there and so much to learn, see, and do! Sometimes we self-select ourselves out because we don't think it's meant for us, or because we're afraid we don't have what it takes. Give it a try, and you may just surprise yourself with everything you're capable of!

On March 8th, and on every other day, inspiring inclusion as a community is crucial to supporting each other. Support the “team” of women in uniform, those who proudly stand beside their member in uniform, and support those raising the children and youth who will lead our future. Prioritize inclusion as women navigate postings, deployments, reintegrations, transitions, and the myriad of unique circumstances that being a part of the military family journey brings.  In that vein, Maj. LaBerge shared these final sentiments We are Stronger when we work together. When every member of the team feels welcome and valued for what they bring to the table.