Mr. Speaker, this Gender Equality Week, I rise not just to celebrate progress but also to challenge us to go further.
Despite women making up half our population, their voices are still too often dismissed or diminished, even in places of leadership like the House of Commons. Research shows that women are interrupted significantly more than men, and when they do speak their ideas are often only recognized when repeated by someone else. I have seen this happen to family, staff and colleagues, some of the strongest women I know. I will admit I have not noticed it enough, but once we notice something we can change it.
Men have a crucial role to play, so here is my call to action: Men must be the ally in the room. They must listen more and interrupt less, give credit where it is due and speak up when they see bias. Gender equality is not achieved by one group; it is everyone's responsibility. Let us commit to making this real together.