Laval event gives young women a platform to discuss identity and their future
Young women, teenagers, community workers and municipal representatives gathered at the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier in Laval on October 9 for an event focused on identity, integration and professional aspirations.
Organized by Femmes en emploi and Femmes qui foncent as part of the International Day of the Girl, Elles prennent leur place : de l’identité à l’avenir professionnel aimed to give young women, particularly those from culturally diverse backgrounds, a space to share their experiences and discuss challenges they may face.
The event received support from the Foundation for Black Communities and partial funding from the Government of Canada.
“Your identity is a strength”
In opening remarks, representatives of Femmes en emploi emphasized that social and professional integration begins long before someone enters the workforce.
“We support immigrant and racialized women in their social and professional integration, and we know that this journey begins well before the first job,” a representative said. “It starts at school, in the family, in friendships and in the way we see ourselves.”
The organization also addressed a message directly to the teenagers in attendance.
“Your identity is a strength. Your voice matters and your dreams deserve to be supported. You have a place in education, in the workplace and in the spaces where decisions are made.”
Three discussions on young women’s experiences
The day was structured around three main conversations.
The first panel focused on growing up between two cultures. The second explored identity and finding one’s place, while the third addressed professional integration for people from diverse backgrounds.
A creative workshop inspired by African fabrics was also included in the program.
At the beginning of the event, the moderator encouraged participants to listen openly to the different testimonies, noting that experiences related to identity, immigration and belonging can vary significantly from one person to another.
Teenagers speak about discrimination and belonging
Two 17-year-old students from Collège Montmorency took part in the first panel.
They discussed aspects of growing up between different cultural references and spoke about the importance of adults listening when young people experience bullying, discrimination or racism.
According to observations by Média Laval at the event, the discussion also touched on everyday aspects of identity, including changing languages depending on the setting, family cultural references and experiences related to hair and appearance.
The two students also answered questions from the audience.
Aline Dib encourages young women to take their place
Saint-Martin city councillor Aline Dib, who is responsible for the status of women file at the City of Laval, also attended the event.
She said the initiative reflected values of participation and equality.
“It is our role, each of us, to stand together, side by side, and take our place,” Dib said.
She also encouraged the young women in attendance to develop their leadership and speak up.
“Take your place. It’s your day,” she told them.
Building confidence before entering the workforce
Femmes en emploi also used the event to draw connections between experiences during adolescence and challenges that can later emerge in education or employment.
The organization primarily works with immigrant and racialized women through social and professional integration programs.
For organizers, encouraging confidence, identity development and a sense of belonging during adolescence can help young women prepare for future academic, professional and leadership roles.
The October 9 event was designed above all as a space where they could speak about their experiences, ask questions and take part directly in conversations that affect them.
