From its beginning, The Salvation Army has been committed to gender equality. And in many ways, we have lived up to this commitment, and our women officers have flourished as ministers and leaders. But in some areas, gender inequity persists and there is more work to be done.

On this episode, Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander for Canada and Bermuda, and Lt-Colonel Wanda Vincent, gender equity officer, have an honest conversation about where we’ve succeeded with gender equity and where we’ve missed the mark. And we look at the concrete steps that are being taken to ensure that every officer can fully live out their calling.

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Comment

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Christine said:

Thank you for the engaging and important conversation on gender equity. I appreciate the acknowledgement of the hurt that some officers may have encountered, however it is not just hurt - gender inequality is disabling. It puts the officer at a disadvantage. So how do we make up for that inequality? It also effects the Territory. The Territory has missed out on the gifts and skills of some officers because of inequitable treatment, possibly making the greater work of Territory less effective. I look forward to hearing about the future work of the Gender Equity Committee.

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Nancy said:

Informative, encouraging and appreciated.

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Paul said:

I do think that gender equity has impact in all facets of life. If we are aiming to do better publicly we must do better in the private spaces. I celebrate my partner as a great spouse, a great parent and a great leader. There are times I had to help her find leadership space but usually through taking up less space myself. I don’t think we can put the whole weight of equity on the organization either. There are times that the barrier to equity is the person lying next to you. Great episode, well done.

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, James Read said:

Encouraging to watch and listen to this podcast on International Women's Day 2025. When the gifts God gives us in Christian women are squandered (as too often they have been), we owe it to God to amend our ways.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Patsy said:

Confusing message given: If we want the most qualified and capable "person" for an appointment/position, why are we concerned about equal gender representation? Gender should not enter into it.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Serge Descoeurs said:

Thanks I am very proud of our Army about the égalitarisme approch of ministry.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Olesea said:

I just wanted to say that I hope the real goal is not to get to 50/50 case just because of the numbers. Equity does not mean quality. May God bless everyone who is involved in taking decisions with wisdom, His wisdom!

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