06/03/2024
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are embedded in the culture of Camosun College through the Strategic Plan 2023-2028. To ensure that these values are upheld and centred, the college has created a new position: Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Tehmina Khwaja started in the role in February 2024.
“There’s a need to consolidate and streamline initiatives at Camosun,” says Tehmina. “My priority as I begin this position is to find synergies among different groups doing the work and strategically plan for EDI at the college.”
Tehmina points out that there is a prevailing misconception that women have achieved equity, especially in a post-secondary environment where women students, employees and educators outnumber men at most campuses. “What are those disciplines where we see more women? They are the ‘feminized’ disciplines, such as nursing, education, the humanities. Women are also concentrated in the underpaid and precarious administrative and academic positions. If you go up in the hierarchy, it’s still mostly dominated by white men.”
As a woman who grew up in the conservative society of Pakistan, Tehmina is acutely aware of the limitations that women experience and how women can work together to overcome them. “I’ve seen massive changes that occurred when women came together and demanded better treatment, more autonomy, and greater participation. Since coming to Canada, I’ve been so impressed with what Canadian women have achieved and continue to advocate for.”
“I believe in the power of coming together and using our voices to advocate for people who are denied equity.”
Tehmina is clearly the right woman for the job, and we look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in her new role at Camosun. Learn more about Tehmina: https://bit.ly/4c0hllE
Join Tehmina and other leaders at the Connecting Camosun Women panel discussion on Thursday, March 7 at noon in the Sherri Bell Hall, Wilna Thomas building, Lansdowne campus.
