This article articulates the frustration of female executives struggling to break through the glass ceiling in Canada.
Appropriate Subject Area(s)
Careers, leadership
Key Questions to Explore:
- Why is it so challenging for women to join the ranks of senior executives in Canada?
Materials Needed:
Access to the article for students
Introduction to lesson and task:
Students will explore the challenges and frustrations that stand in the way of female upward mobility.
Action (lesson plan and task):
- Have a class discussion on equity and equality. Distinguish the difference.
- Distribute the article for reading.
- Using Think-Pair-Share, ask students to think about what is contributing to the challenges outlined in the article. Ask them what challenges female executives face with those above them and with those below.
- Ask students to draw out the challenges on paper and then brainstorm strategies and opportunities for change within each level and across all levels.
- Using a walkabout, have students view each others’ drawings/charts to see what others have identified.
Consolidation of Learning:
- After the walkabout, have each student write a reflection on the actions that can be taken to overcome one of the challenges identified.
Success Criteria:
- Students have ideas on how to identify an opportunity.
Confirming Activity:
- Have students share their reflections and, in small groups, create a strategy that will help to address the inequity for female leaders.