HMCS Calgary discusses gender for International Women’s Day 2021

Members of HMCS Calgary stand together in support of International Women’s Day Feb. 27 on the flight deck. Photos by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, CAF Imagery Technician

Captain Jeff Klassen
Public Affairs Officer
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International Women’s Day 2021 did not go unnoticed by the crew of HMCS Calgary.

As the ship sailed toward its theatre of operations for Operations Artemis and Projection, Lieutenant (Navy) Anne Day led guided conversations with the crew about gender issues.

On both March 7 and 8, sailors of all ranks, including the commanding officer, gathered in the wardroom to watch video lectures and participate in guided discussions.

People talked about the new ‘Sailor’ ranks, implicit bias, on being one of a few women in a mess or wardroom, gendered uniforms, gendered perceptions on child care and parental leave, common gendered language heard in the navy such as saying “the guys” or “man overboard”, representation of women in the Canadian Armed Forces, recruiting, and more.

“We wanted to engage participants with these ideas, to challenge their own assumptions and biases. Women still face a ton of obstacles, not just in the military but in society in general. As leaders and Canadians we must continually strive to break down barricades,” said Lt(N) Day. “Having people from across all ranks was really important to me because the cultural change we need to achieve requires diverse voices.”

To direct and stimulate conversations she used prompts, such as a study that looked at the bias of how men are more likely to be perceived as “firm” or “leaders” and women are looked at as “argumentative”, “bossy”, or “abrasive” for the same actions.

She brought up results of another study that showed men interrupt women three times as much as they interrupt other men.

“I think we had some great discussions that captured a range of opinions. The act of having the conversation and being able to engage in that type of open dialogue with a broad spectrum of the crew will have trickle down effects on our culture. It’s so important for leaders to continue to listen and challenge their biases,” she said.

Lt(N) Day was the organizer for the ship’s International Women’s Day events as a whole. It was her idea for the ship to do a group photo of the crew holding up the hashtag “#IWD” on the flight deck.

“With the photo, I thought it was important to show that International Women’s Day isn’t just for women, it’s for everyone,” she said.

Lieutenant (Navy) Anne-Marie Day, a Naval Warfare Officer aboard HMCS Calgary, who led a frank discussion about gender issues with the crew.

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