We're back with another episode shining a spotlight on Hollywood's representation—or lack thereof—of women on and off the screen. As we all know, the film industry plays a pivotal role in shaping societal norms and perceptions. From reflecting cultural values to influencing public opinion, movies hold immense power. However, despite its influence, Hollywood has long struggled with gender equality in front of and behind the camera.

Historically, Hollywood has been a male-dominated arena, a trend that persists today. Shockingly, recent statistics reveal that only a fraction of top-grossing films feature substantial female representation in terms of characters and the creative forces behind the scenes.

Reports from reputable institutions like USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film highlight the stark reality: women remain vastly underrepresented in key roles within the industry. From speaking roles to directorial positions, the gender gap persists, stifling diversity and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. What about representation in how women are played and portrayed? Narrow stereotypes and archetypes have long marred the portrayal of women in film. From the "damsel in distress" to the "cool girl," female characters often serve as accessories to male-driven narratives rather than fully realized individuals. While progress has been made in subverting these tropes, there's still a long way to go.

Several tests have emerged to gauge the representation level in films, including the Bechdel Test, the DuVernay Test, and the Vito Russo Test. These tests serve as valuable tools in evaluating gender, racial, and 2SLGBTQIA+ representation, urging filmmakers to diversify their narratives and challenge mainstream conventions. 

As we navigate the complex landscape of Hollywood, we're committed to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around representation. By sharing stories, shedding light on statistics, and championing diverse perspectives, we can collectively work towards a future where women's voices are not only heard but celebrated.

__

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.

Ready to talk about representation in hedge funds, investment banking, and equity?! This week, we chat with Dajana and Pall, a duo from the RaiseHER Co. & U of R Champions of Change Club’s She’s Here mentorship program, who are dedicated to dismantling obstacles for women in the financial industry through their mentorship project!

Off the hop, we explore gender disparities in finance and strategies for empowerment while busting some common myths about women and money. We reveal that women don't outspend men on average, tend to make more frequent but smaller impulse purchases, and are less likely to invest traditionally but often perform better when they do.

Our guests, Dajana, a finance leader, and Pall, a student and advocate, share insights into their own experiences and their mentorship project product: Women in Finance and Equity (WIFE). They discuss gender disparities, challenges in finance, and the importance of empowering girls in finance. WIFE aims to empower and educate girls about the finance world through annual programs, workshops, and speaker sessions. The project will kick off with a panel discussion sometime in 2024 featuring women keynote speakers sharing their journeys in finance.

WIFE definitely works to address gender equity issues in the financial sector, but we also explore other initiatives currently at work, including mentorship programs, remote work options, and diversified leadership pipelines. Like any sector, one of the biggest takeaways is that financial institutions can foster a more inclusive environment by addressing persistent challenges and promoting diversity.

__

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. You can find more information on the She's Here Mentorship Program and review Dajana and Pall's presentation here.

This week, Skylar and Talitha dive deep into the daunting world of impostor syndrome, joined by Dr. Negar Golbar, PharmD, shedding light on its prevalence and impact. The episode starts with a glimpse into the She’s Here Mentorship Program co-founded by Skylar and Talitha, where Dr. Golbar completed her research with mentee Darby Graham-Rowe.

Impostor syndrome, coined in 1978, revolves around doubting one's abilities and feeling like a fraud, especially prevalent among accomplished women. Despite strides in education and professional success, women often struggle with confidence, attributing their achievements to luck or oversight rather than merit. This phenomenon isn't just an individual struggle but a reflection of systemic issues in workplaces perpetuated by biases, discriminatory practices, and unequal treatment.

Dr. Golbar shares insights from her mentorship project, focusing on gender and life stage as variables, aiming to underline the prevalence of impostor syndrome among women and non-male individuals. She discusses data collection and analysis challenges and the anticipated contributions to the broader conversation on gender disparities.

__

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. You can find more information on the She's Here Mentorship Program and review Negar and Darby's presentation here.

TECHNICALLY, all non-Indigenous Canadians are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. Yet the terms “migrant” and “immigrant” are often equated with racialized minorities and oftentimes used to promote fear and distrust of “others” who are different.

The intersectionality of identity traits profoundly influences women's experiences, so this week, we’re exploring immigrant women's unique challenges, particularly in Canada.

Despite Canada's reputation as a multicultural haven, immigrant women encounter significant barriers, from economic disparities to systemic discrimination. Historically, immigration policies favoured certain groups, perpetuating discriminatory practices. Today, immigrant women grapple with assimilation versus cultural preservation, facing pressure to conform while preserving their heritage.

Immigrant women are also disproportionately affected by poverty, earning less than their male counterparts despite higher education levels. They also face an increased risk of domestic violence and struggle to enter the workforce, often relegated to low-paying, gendered roles. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, particularly for racialized newcomer women. 

To tap into the real-life experiences of immigrant women, we're honoured to be joined by Victoria Flores, whose journey from Bolivia to Canada sheds light on the resilience of immigrant women. Victoria's experiences highlight the complexities of identity and adaptation, underscoring the importance of community support and empowerment.

__

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 mentioned in the episode, Victoria’s employer is the Regina Open Door Society (RODS), a non-profit organization providing settlement and integration services to refugees and immigrants in Regina. You can review their programming and donate right on the website.

Trigger warnings: racism

This week, we share the chilling statistics and heartbreaking realities surrounding violence against Indigenous women in Canada. With a focus on shedding light on this deeply concerning issue, we explore the alarming rates of violence and the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Note: This episode is not going to focus on the genocide of Missing and Murdered Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people. While related and connected, that’s a separate topic that will get its own episode.

As always, we start by looking at the research: Indigenous women and girls are three times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women, with six times the likelihood of being murdered. These statistics, however, only scratch the surface of the profound challenges and barriers Indigenous women face when seeking help or justice. 

We are honoured to have Patricia Crowe, a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and the healing of communities affected by violence. Patricia shares her personal experiences and insights on abuse and violence, intergenerational trauma, and the impact of colonialism, shedding light on the human side of these stark statistics.

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.

Trigger warnings: abuse, sexual assault, child sexual abuse

Come on, Barbie, let's go party! The final part of the Barbie series is HERE!

Welcome to the conclusion of our Barbie series, where we delve into the complexities of everyone's favourite doll! In our previous instalments, we explored the criticisms levelled against Barbie, particularly focusing on the third and fourth waves of feminism and their impact on attitudes towards Barbie. In this episode, we shift gears to examine the resurgence of Barbie's popularity and the significant influence of the 2023 movie release, which not only entertains but sparks essential conversations about gender, equity, and societal norms.

The movie became popular by connecting with a wide range of people. It looked at various aspects of our society in a fun and easy-to-understand way while also giving a new look to the classic Barbie style. This film gave us a new way to think about feminism and how roles for men and women have changed since Barbie first came out; however, while we are absolutely Barbie movie STANS, it’s our duty also to share the various other beliefs, views and opinions that we’ve come across, and offer our unsolicited opinions on whether we agree or disagree.

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 honour of the International Day for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6, we’re sharing the alarming, horrifying and terrifying realities of FGM and shedding light on this widespread issue affecting millions of women and girls.

Throughout the episode, we explore FGM's definitions, history, and cultural implications and then dive into the societal norms and traditions that contribute to the continuation of this harmful practice, linking it to child marriage and ingrained beliefs about women's roles.

To drive change, we discuss the role of legislation and international agreements in combatting FGM. Additionally, we explore the challenges in enforcing anti-FGM laws and emphasize the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive approaches to eradicate the practice. Finally, we review strategies for individuals and communities to challenge and change these alarming statistics. We underscore the importance of education, legal measures, and support for victims and survivors in the fight against FGM.

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, including direct access to The FGM/C Research Initiative, which is hosted by Orchid Project. It builds on the legacy of 28 Too Many by commissioning and curating global research on the practice of female genital mutilation and cutting.

This week, we’re shining a light on a monster that lurks in the dark. This will not be an easy one to listen to, and we want listeners to be incredibly clear that we will be chatting about the horrific realities that exist for many women and girls in this country and abroad as it relates to human trafficking.

In this emotionally charged episode, we explore the grim realities faced by countless women and girls as we navigate the harsh truths of human trafficking. We stress the urgency of discussing this issue and explore firsthand accounts from survivors, highlighting the trauma, isolation, and challenges they face.

Unveiling shocking statistics, we discover that human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry globally, second only to drug trafficking. In Canada, reported cases are just the tip of the iceberg, with a mere 3,996 incidents documented between 2012 and 2022, with most cases going unreported, existing only in the shadows.

As we dissect the signs of human trafficking, we stress the importance of recognizing the indicators, including but not limited to poor living conditions, limited communication, emotional and physical control, and restricted freedom of movement. The episode concludes with a call to action—urging listeners to report suspicions to law enforcement and providing resources such as the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.

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, including the Finding Our Voices: Lived Experiences in Human Trafficking, 2023, Justice Canada Report and the Trafficking in Persons in Canada, 2022, Statistics Canada Report.

__

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010) provides a 24/7 toll-free phone and live online chat function in a confidential, multilingual service to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) provides 24/7 toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and live online chat function availability to connect individuals who have experienced trafficking with services and support.

Part 2 of Barbie is here! This week, we explore the evolution and the fallout she faced during the '90s and beyond.

Barbie starts as a symbol of childhood innocence, transcending racial boundaries. But as societal norms change, critiques against the iconic doll surface. Especially in the ‘90s, Barbie encounters significant backlash, particularly regarding body image concerns, lack of racial representation, and potential impact on young girls' self-esteem. This era becomes a battleground for Barbie's symbolic representation.

We explore the influence of third-wave feminism, emerging in the mid-'90s, which aims to challenge and redefine concepts of womanhood, gender, beauty, and sexuality. Because of this, Barbie becomes a focal point of criticism as third-wave feminists actively challenge seemingly sexist images and symbols.

As we transition into the fourth wave of feminism around 2012, discussions on issues like sexual harassment, body shaming, and rape culture gain prominence. Barbie faces ongoing criticism despite attempts by Mattel to diversify the doll line and address concerns related to body image and gender stereotypes.

We highlight Mattel's efforts to adapt Barbie's image and product line over the years, addressing concerns such as lack of diversity, inclusion of disabilities, and misogynistic undertones. We also delve into the pervasive critique of Barbie's unrealistic body image, backed by studies showing the potential influence on girls' body image perceptions. Despite efforts to introduce more diverse body types, challenges persist, and societal messaging about ideal body shapes continues to shape cultural norms.

In part 3 of the Barbie series, we look at Barbie’s comeback—the Reclamation!

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.

This week, we shed light on the stark realities women face in the music industry. In our detailed exploration, we draw upon insights from the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, exposing the persistent underrepresentation of women, particularly in roles in songwriting and producing. We also glimpse the challenging landscape that female artists navigate with guest Katie Sahlu, who shares her experiences in the Canadian music scene in Toronto and provides valuable insights into issues like unequal compensation and workplace discrimination.

As always, we don’t just present the problems—we offer solutions too! Movements like Women in Music (WiM) are highlighted for their efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion. We stress the need for transparency, advocating for job advertisements that list salaries and publishing action plans with clear timelines.

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, including links to the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, studies on gender inequality in the music industry, and movements striving to make a positive impact.