Concrete Ceilings: African Canadian Women and the Pursuit of Leadership in the Public Sector

Authors

  • Wanda Thomas Bernard Dalhousie University
  • Shalyse Sangster Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers
  • Anne-Marie Hay Carleton University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48336/IJLPZP1590

Keywords:

Black women, public sector, barriers, racism, sexism

Abstract

This research consisted of qualitative interviews with 21 Black women who currently held, had held, or were qualified for managerial-level positions in the public service sector. The research questions were as follows: (1) What internal and external supports contribute to Black women obtaining leadership positions in the public sector in Canada? (2) What internal and external barriers have Black women faced in obtaining leadership positions in the Canadian public sector? The researchers conclude that Black women experience various forms of discrimination, racism, oppression and typecasting, which have been prevalent in their journeys through public sector employment. Participants identified many barriers to being successful in the workplace, most of which can be attributed to racism. In spite of these barriers, a number of Black women identified internal and external supports and strengths that had enabled them to obtain these positions. The most prevalent supports found in this study include self-determination, faith, colleagues and mentors, community supports, friends and family. Many participants identified these supports as helping them to be successful in the public sector, in spite of the systematic racism that exists.  By participating in this study, Black women reported feeling heard and validated. Three recommendations arose:  the establishment of a formal support system for Black women interested in public-sector employment; commitment from public-sector leaders to assist in system-wide changes; and a call to action for African Canadian women to engage in activities that promote ongoing self-advocacy and self-empowerment.

Author Biographies

Wanda Thomas Bernard, Dalhousie University

Wanda Thomas Bernard is a social worker, professor emeritus at Dalhousie School of Social Work, and a Canadian senator. She has done extensive research with African Canadians on issues of race, racism, health, equity, and inclusion. Her work has also explored issues of oppression, diversity, and intersectionality and their impact on lived experiences. She is former chair of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Dr. Bernard was principal investigator on this research project. 

Shalyse Sangster, Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers

Shalyse A. Sangster is a registered clinical social worker in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated from the Master of Social Work program at the University of Toronto in 2017. As a member of the Association of Black Social Workers, she has a keen interest in promoting social justice and advocating against anti-Black racism. Shalyse aims to understand the social determinants of health, including the ways racism, oppression, and inequity affect the health outcomes of African Canadian individuals and communities.

Anne-Marie Hay, Carleton University

Anne-Marie Hay is white, queer social worker, registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She completed a Master of Social Work in 2017 at the Carleton University School of Social Work, and has since been working as a parliamentary research assistant to Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard. She strives to bring her knowledge of social work to policy environments, centring social justice, racial justice, and intersectionality in her work.

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Published

2021-03-29