Tackling gender injustices

With the passing of Gerald Regan, we were reminded that his legacy was tainted by allegations of sexual misconduct. Indeed, those allegations were raised again by his accusers, even though the litigated matter was dropped 20 years ago. Brushing aside questions regarding re-litigating a settled matter in the court of public opinion, the welcomed momentum created by the Me Too movement gives reason to rethink where we are today, how we got here and what still needs to be done to remove sexual misconduct in our society, particularly in the workplace.

Misconduct is not gender restricted; it can involve both males and females, albeit the vast majority of cases involve misconduct against a female. While much progress has been realized on gender parity, women and girls still do not have the same rights and opportunities as men. That inequality has been ingrained in our social, political and economic structures and those systemic inequalities are not easily untangled. Those injustices are embedded in laws and in our culture. To advance equality, we need to address judicial bias and a cultural shift toward changing hearts and attitudes. It's hard work, by everyone in this social mosaic, but worth the effort if the end results in parity in fact, not just ambition.

David Sampson, Halifax