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Leaders and voices needed to break down barriers continued from p.4 mestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking here in Canada and that's why, in 2014, we still need to focus on the issues that confront women," she said. "We need to leverage our leaders, and use our voices." Haddad noted, however, the public sector has had much more success when it comes to women in leadership positions, with a 60 per cent increase in self-employed women in Canada. "If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is," she said. "There's also a national commission now that seeks to understand the current state and what the barriers are to women's success and develop standards that embrace gender equality and greater access to women." Moderated by Abbey Park students Emma Guimaraes (Grade 12) and Taylor Legere (Grade 11), who are also YWIL council co-presidents, the event included a silent auction/raffle -- all proceeds will support Halton Women's Place and the Because I am a Girl initiative. A panel discussion with Haddad and two other prominent women, Dora Anie, and Ana Golja, also took place. Anie is the founder and president of the Ghana School of Dreams, an organization that builds and renovates schools in rural areas of Ghana; while Golja is a TV actor who has had many roles, including on Flashpoint, Life with Boys and currently on Degrassi. The panel was asked questions, including: what lessons they learned in the early stages of their careers, how they have inspired change and who inspires each of them. When asked if they had any advice to offer the crowd, Anie said to be the change women want to see in their lives and they'll end up inspiring change in others. Golja told the room to find that spark Haddad had spoken of earlier and to go with it. "It will lead you somewhere good and we need that in our society today." 9 | Friday, March 7, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Mary Jo Haddad Special 50% OFF Regular price for initial Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment Offer valid until March 31, 2014 There continues to be many barriers... we have significant evidence there's still domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking here in Canada and that's why, in 2014, we still need to focus on the issues that confront women. past-president and CEO, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children ALI MALEKI & LIBOR DIVILEK Registered Physiotherapists PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR: Neck / Back Pain / Sciatica / Knee Injuries / Shoulder Injuries & more 30 years of combined experience Mary Jo Haddad 250 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 7, Oakville, Ontario contact@dorvalphysio.ca · www.dorvalphysio.ca 905.337.7007 OAKVILLE 220 North Service Rd. West @ Dorval 905-849-1522 /3for1glasses /3for1glasses The Right Pair for the Right Occasion. www.3for1glassesoakville.ca *Valid for any 3 for 1 purchase, cannot be combined with any other offer. EYE EXAMS AVAILABLE $100 Madness OFF * MARCH