Wednesday, March 05, 2025
Occurring yearly on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
In recognition of this important day, AMAPCEO Women’s Caucus Chair Khadeeja Farooq and Women’s Caucus Vice-Chair Summer Alkarmi, joined Cynthia Watt, AMAPCEO Vice-President and Equity Committee Chair for this edition of the Equity at AMAPCEO Interview Series. Farooq and Alkarmi discussed the significance of IWD and the importance of participating in the Women’s Caucus, and highlighted an upcoming lunch social on Tuesday, April 15.
Khadeeja Farooq started in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) in 2022, having graduated with a Masters of Environmental Sustainability in the same year, and a Bachelor in Public Health in 2021. She is currently a Policy and Program Advisor in the Ministry of Health, helping with various volunteer initiatives within the Health and Wellness Subcommittee, and in the Employee Network at the OPS for the United Muslims Association. Passionate about enabling career growth in the workplace, Farooq also helps to raise education and awareness about important months such as Ramadan, Eid, and Islamic History Month.
Summer Alkarmi began her OPS career in 2021, after completing a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration in the same year. Prior to joining the OPS, Alkarmi worked for non-profit organizations that helped refugees overcome systemic barriers and integrate into their new communities. She is currently a Communications Advisor at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and a former Vice-Chair of the Arab Caucus.
Cynthia Watt: What message would you like to share with AMAPCEO members about the importance of International Women’s Day?
Khadeeja Farooq: International Women’s Day is a time to recognize the progress made and continued work towards achieving gender equality. All accomplishments and contributions made by women, whether big or small, should be recognized and celebrated—from leading a company to chairing a meeting.
Summer Alkarmi: Growing up as an Arab Canadian woman, I was surrounded by diverse and powerful women who have inspired me to go beyond the limits I set for myself. My message for IWD is that the sky is the limit for us women, and we should continue to inspire and empower each other.
CW: The Women’s Caucus Lunch Social will be occurring on Tuesday, April 15. What can you tell us about this event? What are you looking forward to?
KF: Our Women’s Caucus Lunch social on Tuesday, April 15 will be focused on Caucus members coming together to share their experiences and aspirations, and for our Caucus leadership to share the goals we are working towards as a group. The lunch social will enable our attendees to make new connections, learn about the diversity of our members, and expand their awareness about the various resources and opportunities available to grow in the workplace.
CW: Can you tell us about other Women’s Caucus events coming up in 2025?
KF: We hope to continue collaborations with other networks for speaker events including one happening this fall. This event is a continuation of our women’s mentorship program that we launched last year which was a virtual “Speed Networking” event, which gave our Caucus members a safe space and opportunity to connect with other women and mentors. We’re also looking forward to hosting another networking event this fall, and more information will be shared about it soon.
CW: Can you provide some insight into why it was important for you to begin or get or continue to be y involved with the Women’s Caucus, either in a leadership or non-leadership role?
KF: I am a lifelong learner, and there’s so much to learn from each other, regardless of age or experience. This is my hope for the events that we plan in 2025: to provide a space for our Caucus members to learn from each other. Though I may be young, I hope to inspire new and former members to take on opportunities, and not to shy away from leadership roles. You never know the people you will end up meeting and the amazing work you will end up doing while helping build careers and contributing to self-growth.
SA: I believe it’s important to participate and be involved with the union, and I am grateful to have been recently appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Women’s Caucus. I hope my role will motivate and inspire others to be involved and remind people that no role is small—collectively, we can accomplish amazing things!
CW: What advice do you have for members who may be interested in joining or returning to the Women’s Caucus?
KF: There’s always something to help with and someone to talk to in the Women’s Caucus. Regardless of whether your capacity is big or small, we encourage members to connect. Being part of the Women’s Caucus, members can potentially grow your skills in certain areas, such as public speaking or writing, while allowing you to learn from and help each other in your career growth.