The Scaries

This week, we’re spotlighting the crazy-but-true realities for women journalists—spoiler: it’s not all glitz and glamour. From online harassment to the ever-present glass ceiling, the barriers are real, but so is the bravery of women breaking them down.

You’ve seen the stories: Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly calling out harassment, Maria Ressa fighting online abuse, and Lisa LaFlamme facing ageism for simply going grey. And they’re not alone. With courage and solidarity, women in media are stepping up to address sexism, discrimination, and harassment. This week, we had the pleasure of talking to Sabeen Ahmad, a weather and community anchor with CTV and in-game host for the SK Roughriders. Right here in our hometown, Sabeen’s working to reshape this industry—bold, unapologetic, and not backing down.

The Stark Reality

Despite recent strides, the numbers speak loud and clear: women are still underrepresented in media. Globally, they make up only 37% of reporters, with just 29% of quotes in Canadian news coming from women sources. Not to mention, women in senior management positions are nearly nonexistent in comparison. Sure, some newsrooms are making progress—BBC’s 50:50 Project is a win, aiming to balance their gender representation—but we’re still far from real equality.

And it’s not just about representation. The everyday sexism women face in media is relentless. Women are expected to follow ridiculous standards that often have nothing to do with their skills and everything to do with how they look or act. Worse yet, 27% of women believe they’ve missed out on opportunities simply because of their gender. And in the age of social media? It’s brutal. Women journalists are subject to smear campaigns, threats, and harassment at rates that dwarf those faced by men. The goal? Silence. But if there’s one thing these trolls don’t understand, it’s that these women aren’t going anywhere.

Real action starts with us. Together, we can create a media landscape that doesn’t just allow women to have a voice but amplifies it.

Thanks for joining us on this wild ride of stats, stories, and inspiration. Let’s make the world less scary for the women who bring us the news. Stay tuned, Scaries Fam, because this fight is just getting started.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Please note that RaiseHER Co. is a non-partisan organization, and this is not an endorsement for any political party or candidate. You know what we care about and where we stand!

Like our neighbours down south, we’re also gearing up for provincial, municipal, and school board elections in our city. So, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the unique challenges women face in politics. And who better to talk with than Regina’s first-ever female mayor, Sandra Masters?! She shares her experiences and insights as a woman in politics, and her story reminds us of what’s possible when women break barriers and pave the way for others.

Ready for some stats? Brace yourselves: women hold only 27% of national parliament seats and about 35.5% of local governments globally. Only 27 countries worldwide are led by women—out of nearly 200. At this rate, we won’t see gender parity in global politics for another 39 years. Let that sink in.

Zooming in on Canada, women make up just over 30% of the federal parliament, with a recent push to balance gender in the cabinet since 2016. However, in Saskatchewan, only about 28% of provincial representatives are women, with just six women holding cabinet roles. It’s not much better on the municipal level. While Regina elected our first female mayor, Sandra Masters, our neighbours in Saskatoon have yet to follow suit.

Why Is Women’s Underrepresentation Still So Common?

The barriers are deeply systemic. Women face limited access to funding, fewer support networks, and the extra challenge of balancing family and career expectations. And once they’re in office? Women politicians experience disproportionate online harassment, often sexualized or violent in nature.

Online abuse isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a major deterrent. Canada’s global ranking in gender parity for politics has dropped, and increasing online toxicity is part of the reason. Women of colour and those with other intersecting identities are hit hardest, with disinformation campaigns and hate aimed directly at them. This is real and frightening—just ask MP Iqra Khalid, who received over 90,000 hate messages after condemning Islamophobia in 2017.

What We Can Do to Turn the Tide

It’s high time we stood up for women in politics and demanded better. Listen to the full episode to hear what we need to make it happen!

When we empower women to lead, we don’t just make politics fairer—we build a future where all voices are valued.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Halloween is creeping up, and in true Scaries fashion, we’re here to talk about one of our favourite holidays. Seriously, what’s Halloween without some good scaries? But today, we’re going beyond candy and costumes—we’re digging into how this spooky season has shaped women’s lives throughout history. It’s a little spooky, a little empowering, and, yes, a bit sassy. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, and let’s get into it!

Halloween, as we know it today, traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated it on October 31st, marking the shift between the harvest season and the long, dark winter. During Samhain, people believed the boundary between the living and the dead was weakest—cue the ghosts and fairies roaming among us.

But here’s where things get weird: at some point, costumes for women morphed into hyper-sexualized versions of...well, everything. Sexy nurse, sexy cat, sexy sandwich. Seriously, who decided Halloween = minimal fabric for women? Let’s not start on the cringe-worthy offensive costumes we see each year. (No, blackface is NEVER okay.)

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Now, if we talk about Halloween, we have to talk about witches. But why are witches always depicted as evil hags who cast curses and terrorize villages? Turns out, the fear of witches goes way back. Once upon a time, these so-called “witches” were actually healers and wise women—the OG community helpers. But as Christianity spread, their wisdom got labelled as “evil” or “Satanic.”

And here’s the kicker: today, Wicca and other Pagan religions, which center on feminism, nature, and spiritual autonomy, are thriving. More people now practice Paganism in the U.S. than belong to the Presbyterian church. Talk about a plot twist!

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Let’s make Halloween not just a celebration of spooky fun but also a celebration of feminine power and independence. After all, witches weren’t villains—they were healers, leaders, and wise women. This year, maybe we’ll all channel a little witchy energy. (Green face paint optional.)

And whether you’re DIY-ing your costume or channelling your inner goddess, remember: you don’t have to be “cute” to have a good time. And if anyone says otherwise, just give them your best witchy glare.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

As we reflect on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (October 4), it's crucial to face the uncomfortable truth: our country still has a long way to go. These days aren’t just dates on a calendar—they are calls to action for all of us to wake up and realize the systemic harm Indigenous communities continue to endure.

Canada’s residential school legacy didn’t just cause trauma in the past; its impact still ripples through generations today. Imagine growing up in a world where your language, culture, and very identity were stripped from you as a child, and that was somehow considered “normal.” For far too many Indigenous families, this wasn’t just their past—it’s their present. We often think of these horrors as relics of history, but the reality is that Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, especially, are still disproportionately victimized by violence, abuse, and systemic neglect.

We’re talking genocide here. Still. In 2024.

But amidst the frustration, we had the honour of speaking with Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation and an incredible Indigenous leader and advocate for truth and reconciliation. His calm wisdom and clear passion for making meaningful progress were exactly the reminders we needed to stay focused on the work ahead.

Cadmus shared with us his insights on why the implementation of the Calls to Action and Calls to Justice has been so slow and what concrete steps we can take to ensure these aren’t just words on paper. He spoke about the vital need for Indigenous voices to be at the forefront of decision-making processes because, as we were reminded, "Nothing for us, without us." He also shed light on the responsibility that media, influencers, and everyday citizens have in creating awareness and demanding accountability from those in power.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but even small steps lead to progress. As Jody Wilson-Raybould reminds us in her book, True Reconciliation, it’s on each of us to keep the momentum going. Educate. Advocate. Build relationships with Indigenous communities. Reconciliation isn’t a checkbox—it’s an ongoing, lifelong journey.

We owe it to the generations of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who came before us—and the ones still fighting today—to make reconciliation more than just a word. Let’s make it an action.

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Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

WE'RE BAAACCCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!

It’s back-to-school season, and whether you’re a student or a parent, this time of year brings excitement—and sometimes dread. In our season 2 premiere of The Scaries, we dive deep into the complexities of returning to school, focusing on the unique challenges that girls face today. The school environment can be a place of growth and learning, but it also comes with its share of struggles—from bullying and isolation to the very real threat of violence. And while we’ve seen improvements in inclusive education, mental health supports, and Indigenous teachings, there’s still a long way to go.

We get real about the pressures girls face, not only from academic expectations but also from societal stereotypes and the ever-growing influence of social media. From a lack of confidence to rising rates of mental health challenges and gender-based violence, girls today are navigating a school system that wasn’t designed with them in mind. But here’s the thing—we’re not here to just discuss the scary stats. We want to empower our listeners to take action.

In this episode, we challenge ourselves and our community to rethink how to support students—especially girls. What can we do as leaders, parents, and educators to create environments where girls not only survive but thrive? Whether it's advocating for more resources in schools, addressing gender stereotypes, or simply supporting the mental health of the young women in our lives, we all have a role to play.

Join us as we discuss the real-life challenges girls face in school today and explore how to create safer, more supportive learning environments!

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

In the season finale of season one (HOLY MOLY! WE MADE IT!), we dive deep into the rich and often misunderstood concept of the Two-Spirit identity within Indigenous cultures. June is a month of celebration for both Pride and National Indigenous History Month, so we thought it would be a great time to bring back our friend, Lori Campbell. Lori, a Two-Spirit Montreal Lake Cree Nation member, shares her wealth of knowledge and personal experiences. This episode powerfully explores the cultural significance, challenges, and triumphs of Two-Spirit individuals.

We delve into the profound impact of colonization on Two-Spirit individuals. Colonizers imposed heteronormative norms through institutions like residential schools, leading to the marginalization of Two-Spirit people. Despite these challenges, Two-Spirit individuals actively reclaim their cultural heritage and identity through education and healing.

Today, the term "Two-Spirit" serves as a unifying identity for Indigenous queer individuals. Lori discusses how modern Two-Spirit people are reconnecting with their ancestral traditions and the importance of raising awareness about this community. She also shares her personal journey and the cultural significance of Two-Spirit identities within Indigenous communities. She discusses the importance of ceremonies like the Two-Spirit Sun Dance Ceremony in reclaiming and celebrating these identities. Lori also addresses the challenges Two-Spirit individuals face and offers advice on how allies can better support them.

As always, we close out with some practical tips for practicing allyship, such as reflecting on stereotypes, intervening in instances of discrimination, and respecting the chosen pronouns of Two-Spirit individuals. We encourage everyone to educate themselves continuously and support Two-Spirit communities through actions like attending Pride events and donating to relevant organizations.

Thank you for an incredible season! We’re so lucky to share this space with you and can’t thank you enough for following along on this journey!

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Today, we're tackling a topic close to our hearts: the balancing act of work and motherhood. If you’re a mom who works (or a working mom, because, let’s be real, all moms work HARD), this episode is for you. So, buckle up as we explore how motherhood impacts our careers and mental health. We are also thrilled to welcome Wura Dasylva, a corporate commercial lawyer and mom, to share her strategies for balancing a demanding career, motherhood, and community involvement. Her advice? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Did you know that over 70% of moms with children under five and about 80% with children aged 5-18 are in the workforce? That’s a lot of us juggling deadlines and diaper changes. Yet, a recent survey by Capterra Inc. found that 65% of working mothers in Canada are struggling with mental health due to the pressures of balancing work and family. Not only that, 46% feel overlooked for promotions, 39% feel excluded from projects, and 36% feel less valued at work. And let’s not even talk about the 35% who felt unsupported after announcing their pregnancies. It’s a tough gig, and the numbers don’t lie.

Statistics from Randstad’s latest Workmonitor survey underline this point. While 21% of the Canadian workforce works from home full-time, a whopping 56% would consider quitting if forced back to the office. And for women, the ability to work from home often outweighs even a higher salary. Over 42% of women would trade a bigger paycheck for the freedom to work remotely. This highlights just how vital flexibility is for maintaining our sanity and productivity.

Embrace flexibility, communicate openly about your needs, and rely on a strong support system. Wura’s insights reminded us that while the struggle is real, so is our ability to thrive with the right tools and mindset.

So, what can we do to support working moms better? Here are a few tips:

1. Normalize Motherhood at Work: Use parenting analogies in your professional conversations to validate and include mothers.
2. Model Flexibility: Show that it’s okay to leave for a kid’s appointment without guilt. Your actions set a precedent.
3. Communicate Support: Make it clear that you support parents’ needs and provide systems to accommodate them.
4. Advocate for Change: Use your influence to push for motherhood-friendly policies and practices.
5. Be a Resource: Offer mentorship and support to new moms navigating their careers.

We need to elevate the conversation around motherhood and work-life balance. Share these insights at your next team meeting and start making a change. Remember, action begins with awareness, and it can start with you.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Coming at you this week with the alarming realities of perinatal mental health—a topic that hits close to home for many of us. Today, we're unpacking the real-life scaries and statistics surrounding mental health challenges that new mothers have faced for ages. We're thrilled to have a special guest and specialist in perinatal mental health to help us understand the severity of these issues and what we can do about it.

So, what's going on with moms' mental health during the perinatal period? Well, it's pretty daunting. A staggering 75% of women meet the criteria for depressive and anxiety disorders during this time but remain undiagnosed, and a mere 10% of those in need actually receive proper mental health care.

Why is this happening? From societal expectations and stigma to a sheer lack of awareness, numerous barriers are preventing new moms from accessing the support they need. These include long wait times for mental health services, cultural and linguistic hurdles, financial constraints, and inadequate screening by healthcare providers.

And the impact? It's significant. Severe PMADs can impair a mother's ability to care for her infant and herself, affecting the child's future social, cognitive, and behavioural outcomes.

But there's hope! We chat with Lin Carr from the Regina Early Learning Centre’s Perinatal Health Network, who shared insights from her personal and professional journey. Lin discusses the importance of community resources and social support to ensure no parent feels isolated during this challenging time.

So, what can we do to help? First, recognizing the symptoms and understanding the importance of timely care is crucial. Whether it’s through seeking professional help, reaching out to community support networks, or simply extending patience and grace to those affected, every little bit helps.

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Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Donations for the Regina Perinatal Health Network can be made online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/regina-early-learning-centre-inc/. On that page, you can select Regina Perinatal Health Network from the program drop-down menu.

Build A Village: https://www.instagram.com/buildavillageyqr/ This is the Non-profit branch of Village Mamas YQR that offers financial subsidies for Village Mamas postpartum paid support services like child care, home services, etc. https://www.instagram.com/villagemamasyqr/

I Love You More Wellness Centre: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558242434268 This non-profit will open in the summer of 2024!

Mother May I: https://www.mothermayi.ca/. This non-profit in Saskatoon offers in-person and virtual peer support groups and promotes other maternal mental health resources and community drop-in programming for parents.

Welcome back to The Scaries, your go-to podcast for unravelling the alarming, the inconceivable, and the downright scary realities faced by women and girls worldwide. Today, we're diving deep into the complex world of motherhood. With Mother's Day just around the corner, and as moms and daughters ourselves, we couldn't think of a better time to shed light on this simultaneously challenging and rewarding role.

But let's get real for a moment. Mother's Day isn't all sunshine and roses for everyone. We want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate all the moms out there, whether you're celebrating, grieving, or simply trying to survive. This one's for you.

As we peel back the layers of motherhood, we uncover some surprising truths. From unexpected bodily changes to the relentless juggle of work and caregiving responsibilities, being a mom is no walk in the park. And let's not forget the invisible load that many moms carry, often shouldering multiple full-time jobs with minimal time for themselves. But amidst the chaos, there are moments of joy and growth.

However, it's essential to address the harsh realities that many moms face today. From societal pressures to the staggering statistics on motherhood burnout, the struggle is real. Did you know that nearly half of mothers are currently seeking therapy or that the pandemic has forced one in three mothers to consider leaving their jobs or downshifting their careers? It's a sobering reminder of the uphill battle that many moms face.

So, what can we do to change the narrative? As individuals, we can challenge stereotypes, encourage shared parental responsibilities, and build supportive communities celebrating diverse parenting styles. And for employers, implementing policies such as flexible work schedules, generous leave, and career advancement opportunities can make a world of difference for working moms.

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on how to make the world a little less scary for women and girls everywhere. Remember, change starts with awareness and action. Together, we can make a difference.

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Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

In this special episode, we join forces with the YWCA of Regina and the All Nations Hope Network to shed light on Missing Persons Week, adopting this year's theme of "Stories Not Statistics." It's a time to move beyond mere numbers, recognizing that each missing person represents a cherished individual, deeply missed by their loved ones. This episode serves as a tribute to their humanity.

The landscape of missing persons in Canada is complex, with varying data reporting systems across provinces. Nevertheless, the numbers paint a stark picture. Across the nation, males constitute a significant portion of missing adult reports, while Indigenous individuals, especially women, are disproportionately represented. Saskatchewan stands out with a high rate of missing persons reports per capita, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

Amidst the statistics lies the story of Happy Charles, a mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend who vanished in 2017. Through the courageous testimony of her parents, Regina and Carson Poitras, we gain insight into the profound impact of Happy's disappearance on their lives and community. Their journey underscores the need for continued support and advocacy for families navigating the trauma of a missing loved one.

Reflecting on Happy's story, we're reminded of communities' vital role in supporting missing persons' families. From dedicated support lines to grassroots initiatives, there are avenues for assistance and solidarity. Together, we can challenge the status quo, demand accountability, and honour the humanity of those who remain missing.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Poitras family for sharing their truth and resilience. We invite you to join us in amplifying their voices, advocating for change, and standing in solidarity with all those affected by missing-person cases. Together, we can transform stories into actions, ensuring no one's absence goes unnoticed.

Together, we can turn the tide against the shadows of uncertainty and forge a brighter future for all.

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If you’d like to make a donation in honour of Happy and the Poitras family, visit VISIT sktc.sk.ca and donate to KAMADA (Kohkums and Mushoms Against Drugs and Alcohol).

Thank you to SaskTel and the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour for helping make this episode happen, and to the YWCA Regina and All Nations Hope Network for your collaboration!