During these Olympic Winter Games, I’ve poked fun by saying, “Thank goodness they let the girls play,” referring to women dominating Canada’s medal wins. All kidding aside, it is timely to acknowledge our female athletes’ incredible performances as we mark International Women’s Day on Monday (March 8).

The United Nations called on members to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace with countries selecting different themes to mark this celebration. The Government of Canada’s theme for 2010 is appropriately, “Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World.” According to the Status of Women website (www. swc-cfc.gc.ca), this year’s theme “reflects the government’s action to encourage more women and girls to participate in leadership roles, thereby helping them thrive, reach their full potential, fulfill their dreams, and build a more prosperous Canada.”

In 2009, Canadian women represented 47.2 per cent of the labour force, with females starting small businesses at twice the rate of men. This is a pivotal time in history as employers are challenged to provide solutions to accommodate the changing employee landscape. These solutions may include job sharing, part-time work schedules, telecommuting, working from home, flexible work hours.

Finding balance between work and play is one of the hottest topics with women everywhere, but there are more resources available than ever before. A recent study “Vital Communities, Vital Support,” conducted by Invest in Kids (www.investinkids.ca) reveals less than 50 per cent of new mothers feel they have the emotional support they need or the practical support required to be a new parent. At the same time, this study shows the more a parent feels supported, the better job he or she will do.

Women often put the pressure on themselves to be all things to everyone. Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC’s Morning Joe co-host, addresses that topic in her book, All Things at Once. As a working mother in the competitive field of broadcast journalism, she offers a candid glimpse into juggling her work and family lives.

The title of the book comes from her mother’s powerful message that we can be all things at once. She says, “in fact, we must. But we must also accept that we can’t do everything all at once. It’s about mapping out, navigating, and constantly renegotiating your career, marriage, and family plans. All equally important — and all, ultimately, at once.”

Cathy Goddard is principal of Lighthouse Visionary Strategies, which offers meeting design and facilitation, training and learning solutions, service and selling strategies to take your organization to the next level. Cathy can be reached at cathy@lighthousestrategies.ca or (604) 905-8660.