Group born in pub has 'grown exponentially' into federally registered organization
Women have long faced challenges in breaking through barriers to advancement and recognition, in all areas of the workforce, and safety is no different. However, over the past five years, a movement has been brewing to change this narrative and empower women in this critical sector. At the forefront of this movement is the Women in Occupational Health and Safety Society (WOHSS), an organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the field.
WOHSS traces its roots back to a conversation among a group of women in a pub who were frustrated by the lack of opportunities and recognition they encountered in their occupational safety roles. Stephanie Benay, director of safety at BC Hydro, is a founding member of WOHSS, and recalls the catalyst for the organization's inception: "We were feeling like we were hitting a glass ceiling... often being relegated... to administrative safety roles versus... escalating or going through to managerial roles."
Benay made the comments at a dinner reception marking the 5th anniversary of WOHSS, which was held at the Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark law office in Calgary, the night before the Women in Safety Summit.
With determination and a shared vision, these eleven women embarked on a journey to address the systemic issues plaguing their industry. Loretta Bouwmeester, a lawyer at Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, and another founding member, reflects on the organization's early days: "From those first eleven women getting together in a pub and talking about a concept... It's now a federally registered organization." It quickly gained momentum, attracting members from across Canada and spanning various sectors within occupational health and safety.
As WOHSS evolved, so did its mission. Leigh-Ann Stewart, the current chair of WOHSS, says the organization plans to continue to deliver on its commitment to supporting women throughout their career trajectories.
"It's supporting every health and safety professional that's a member... in a way that's meaningful and allows them to grow as an individual and a contributor to their organization," explains Stewart.
Today, WOHSS stands as a beacon of empowerment and support for women in occupational health and safety. The organization hosts events, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives aimed at providing women with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers. Bouwmeester proudly notes, "it's grown exponentially.”
Despite the progress made, challenges persist. Benay acknowledges, "personal safety is still an issue... we're still losing a lot of women in the safety field in their 30s when they have to make a decision as to whether or not they want to stay in this career or choose other aspects where they're going to have more success." However, she remains hopeful that continued advocacy and awareness efforts will drive positive change.
Looking ahead, WOHSS is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and impact. Bouwmeester envisions, "Looking to continue to provide service excellence to members and make sure that it's responsive to their needs and their organization's needs." Stewart echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of volunteer contributions and community support in shaping WOHSS's future endeavors.
As WOHSS celebrates its achievements and looks toward the future, one thing remains clear: the organization's unwavering commitment to empowering women in occupational health and safety is driving meaningful change in workplaces across Canada and beyond.
