Former ambassador and lawyer, Faith Whittlesey said “remember Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.” Even today, unfortunately, it’s still too often the truth. There’s a big equality gap for women in Canada, and unless changes are made, the gap will continue to widen or will only shrink in modest measures.

Stephen Hammond learned about equality from his feminist, yet somewhat politically conservative, mother, Gerrie Hammond. In his stimulating and funny talk, Stephen will discuss common sense approaches to make subtle and non-so-subtle changes to overcome gender discrimination that still exists in Canada.

Women.  Women in all workplace positions and environments will gain insight from this man who learned lessons the hard way and who now openly and unapologetically stands up for women in the face of discrimination.

You will get Stephen Hammond’s unique view point on areas of past and present day discrimination that still affects women.  You will be dismayed by stories of defeat and impressed by stories of success.  You will laugh with the ridiculousness of the “stuff” that’s still going on and yet you will leave wanting to do more…in the name of simple equality.  And if you’re a man who is open to supporting positive change for women at work, you will benefit as well.

"From the moment you took off your shirt to reveal a fun t-shirt underneath, all participants got a clue that the session would be fun. It was, and your variety of teaching techniques (including getting people to sing TV theme songs) allowed staff to learn, and have fun in different ways and walk away remembering. One staff wrote “I always learn something that sticks with me when I attend a presentation by Stephen”.

I would describe you as a natural speaker, presenter and educator for all audience types based on your approach, style, and your natural ability to engage, entertain and motivate others while learning critical life long skills."

Harold V J Clark, CHRP
Director, Strategic Planning, Policy and Human Resources
Legal Services Society

Stephen Hammond, B.A., LL.B., CSP, is a lawyer turned workplace and community human rights speaker and educator.  His Bachelor of Arts in political studies is from the University of Manitoba and his Bachelor of Laws degree is from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.  Stephen is the author of Managing Human Rights at Work: 101 practical tips to prevent human rights disasters and Steps in the Rights Direction: 365 human rights celebrations and tragedies that inspired Canada and the world.

Stephen is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the International Federation for Professional Speakers. In 2008 Stephen was one of only 5 Canadians to receive the designation of CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) which is the “most prestigious earned designation for platform excellence” by the International Federation. Fewer than 10% of the Federation members hold this designation including just 43 Canadians.