Still fighting for a place at the table

A recent Saskatoon event featuring models in lingerie has drawn rightful criticism from a vocal minority. Supporters of the event correctly state that the models were paid to be there, and that these women deserve respect and the right to choose their careers. I completely agree with the previous statement, while still finding myself appalled with the event itself.

In a world where we as women have fought for every inch given, in an environment where we are still not equal to our male peers, it is unacceptable to have an event for our male business and community leaders featuring women as thinly veiled erotic entertainment.

Many of the men at this event were our mentors, our managers, and men we look up to our community. Women are still fighting for senior leadership roles, for positions on boards, and for the same pay as our male counterparts.

The Saskatoon Progress Club’s alcohol and lingerie event on a Friday afternoon feels like a throwback to a time when men controlled the workforce completely.

We have made so much progress, and yet this week we still heard that employers were concerned fewer women would be hired if the new Saskatchewan Employment (Interpersonal Violence Leave) Amendment Act gave more than 10 unpaid days off to leave a violent situation.

To those who are defending the event, please understand this is not about the women in the room; it is about the men, and the absence of women at the tables.

Shona den Brok, Saskatoon