For International Women’s Day (IWD), we asked some of our staff what their vision for a gender equal future is and how they’re helping to build that future.
Name: Safiya Tohob
Pronouns: She/Her
Title & Department: Quality Specialist – Quality, Safety and Patient Experience
On the WCH team for: almost 3 years
1. What is your vision for a gender equal future?
My vision for a gender equal future is one where women no longer need to prove their capabilities or fight for a seat at the table. It’s a future where every individual, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed, where stereotypes and biases no longer dictate one’s path, and where diversity and inclusion are not just hot topics but fundamental principles guiding our world.
2. How are you helping to build that future, both at work and in your life?
I help to build that future by continuously educating myself in order to promote inclusive practices advocating for gender equality while supporting women’s advancement. In my personal life I am always ready to challenge stereotypes and biases, fostering a more equitable environment in my community.
3. Who or what are you celebrating for International Women’s Day?
For International Women’s Day, I celebrate the countless women who, despite knowing they wouldn’t receive recognition, sacrificed and paved the way for future generations. Among them is my mother, a woman of sacrifice, resilience, and true strength, embodying the essence of this day. As a black Muslim woman, an immigrant to this country, and a widow, my mother faced numerous challenges and hardships but always prioritized her children’s well-being. She always says, ‘I left my family, lived in low-income housing, relying on social assistance, so that your future could be brighter, and for the future of your children.’ I celebrate her and all extraordinary women like her who’ve shaped today and tomorrow’s trailblazers, making the world a better place through their courage and compassion.
4. Tell us one to three things that your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you.
I think my colleagues would be surprised to know that I was the student the teachers didn’t like so much. Even though my grades were amazing, I was apparently a distraction to all my peers and was sent to the office more times than I can count. This bothered my siblings a lot because my mother couldn’t really punish the child with the best grades in the house.