Gender equity, diversity, and inclusion: Business and higher education perspectives

In 2017, university and business leaders met to discuss gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in post-secondary education and the private sector in Canada. This report explores insights and recommendations shared at that meeting. With representatives from government and business, members of the Quality Network for Universities met in early 2017 to discuss ways to improve culture and leadership practices around gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in post-secondary education and the private sector in Canada. This report explores insights shared at the meeting, with the intention of continuing the conversation on gender equity in Canada; inspiring decision-makers to act; and engaging more deeply with the assumptions that can impact our judgment. Achieving gender parity has public and private benefits for Canada—it will require concentrated efforts by governments, employers, PSE institutions, and other stakeholders. PSE institutions have an invaluable role to play in achieving greater gender equity on and off campus. Achieving real change will require collaboration on the part of all stakeholders. Themes of gender equity through design thinking; gender and innovation; inclusive recruitment and retention in the workplace; and gender diversity on campus are explored in the report.