This type of myopic thinking in cannabis development has yet again excluded our women in large numbers.
Concerns women have articulated and shared with myself are as follows:
- Misogyny
- Wage gap pay difference (paid less) for having the same or more level of qualifications and experience than their male counterparts
- Exclusion from executive roles and board of directors
- Boy’s Club
- Sexual Harassment
I’m here to tell you that historically, women have always been the most prominent watch dogs of our cannabis communities. I always balance my teams with women to achieve the highest business output possible. For example, British Columbia, Canada’s first ever Farm-Gate store is managed by a woman. My highest performing groups of hand trimmers are mainly women. My sanitation & biosecurity measures and vigilant aspect is spare headed by a woman.
This brings me to pillar #2:
Women in Cannabis (WIC) & Women and Cannabis (WAC).
This philosophy mentioned above, stems from Women in Development (WID) & Women and Development (WAD). Women have significantly increased the level of productivity with respect to GDP, GNP and all areas of International Development. Cannabis Development should be no different. International Development data have clearly illustrated that women are not given a seat at the table. Because, women have earned their seats and roles as progressive players, movers, and shakers of development. I’m here to fight, uplift, and stand in solidarity for our Queens.
I need your support in elevating our women to the forefront, their voices matter! Therefore, all women reading this message should share their timeliness to spread awareness. All men within my network should tag their favourite women content creator, grower, executive, writer & friend in the comments section. Let me see how prepared our men are in supporting women! As someone who’s mother was murdered at the hands of a man, I have zero tolerance for violence against women and men talking trash and putting down our women. I’m not going to massage any male ego, who thinks it’s ok to disrespect and keep our women on the back burner!
Do you think it’s fair to exclude qualified women from partaking in key roles within the cannabis sector?
How many of us support our women within the industry?
What initiatives have you taken as a business owner to balance your teams with women?
What has your experience working in the industry as a woman been like?