Thank you.
In terms of the challenge of making my voice heard, I would say that all women face certain prejudices, even if sexism is sometimes subtle. Yes, I have faced certain obstacles.
In meetings, for example, we are regularly interrupted by men. We always need to fight a little harder, yell a little louder to be heard. I have also experienced sexual comments and attacks aimed at degrading me or taking away the credibility that I had earned on my campus. So yes, there are certainly challenges in this area.
As for representation at the University of Ottawa, I think that there is a link that can be made with the next subject. I will speak to the question of day cares immediately after. I think that the University of Ottawa is making an effort, but I have noticed that when postsecondary institutions look at the issue of sexism and gender equality, they often seem to be more concerned with their image and with public relations than with going to the trouble of investing in programs or approaches that will truly allow female students to reach the same status as their male classmates. The people from the University of Ottawa will tell you that they are making efforts in this area, but I think that their actions are mainly focused on preserving the University's image and maintaining a certain status in society.
Finally, I think that a universal day care program is truly necessary. As I mentioned in my statement, it is women who are often responsible for dependants, children. A program like this would certainly promote the status of women in its broadest sense. As we have seen in certain cities—including Ottawa— municipalities decide to raise barriers that prevent female students from accessing funding for day care. In my opinion, a universal approach would eliminate this problem, as well as all the challenges that we face when we try to obtain funding for day cares.