Launching the Initiative

U of G’s gender equity initiative is a long-term priority for the University.

GenEQ – the Gender Equity and Excellence Through Leadership initiative – was launched in 2017 with the goal of advancing the status of women and under-represented gender groups across the University of Guelph.

To celebrate the launch, more than 200 U of G faculty, staff and student leaders came together and shared ideas for moving the initiative forward.

Guests heard inspiring messages from the Honourable Indira Naidoo-Harris, Provincial Minister of the Status of Women and Professor Kim Anderson, Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition.

First Steps in U of G's Gender Equity Initiative

Gender equality is not a women’s issue; it is a human issue. It affects us all.” – Malala Yousafzai

“When we help women, and all those who identify as women, reach their full potential, we not only lift them up, but we also lift up our entire institution,” says Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic), and the driving force behind GenEQ.

This multi-phase initiative will bring together community members from across the University to discuss and shape gender equity at U of G. It will involve research to understand gender-based imbalances and create real and lasting change at U of G, says Yates.

“Equity and excellence go hand in hand. The GenEQ initiative enhances the capacity of our academic community to improve life. By embracing institutional change in the pursuit of equity, the University of Guelph will once again lead other institutions in its pursuit of knowledge.”

We all have a role in gender equity

Members of the U of G community will have opportunity to support the initiative through working groups, campus conversations, visiting speakers and leadership development.

Those who identify as male can not only support gender equity but also benefit from it.

“Gender equity isn’t just for women, by women,” says Martha Harley, associate vice-president (human resources), who is working with Yates to lead the initiative.

“This initiative needs the involvement and energies of everyone in our community. The partnership and commitment of men, women and those in under-represented groups are critical to ensure the enrichment of programs that will benefit everyone.”

Leading change

Since the launch, post-doctoral fellow Alexandra Rodney has been hired to provide advice and research support. Rodney says, “I am ecstatic to be part of this project because we are positioned to make impactful, systemic changes at the University of Guelph that will be a model for other universities.

“Academic systems suffer when gender equity is lacking. By advocating for social justice at all levels of the University’s academic and administrative structures on campus, we are working to make the University of Guelph a healthier place for all to learn and work.”