Press on, no matter what challenges you encounter, and you will succeed. That's the message Capt. Janice Lloyd gave 100 women at a luncheon of the Sunshine Coast chapter of Canadian Federation of University Women, Sept. 25.
Proclaimed CFUW-SC Day by both the Town of Gibsons and District of Sechelt, that day marked the start of a year-long celebration of the local chapter's 20th anniversary and honoured its founding and charter members.
Lloyd's often poignant account of her voyage of 36 years working for B.C. Ferries, culminating in her current position as senior master of the Queen of Surrey, was told with a sense of humour, something that has held her in good stead while working in a male-dominated field.
"Press on is my mantra," said Lloyd, B.C. Ferries' only female captain. "There are always challenges, and it's key to know how to respond." She added that attitudes have improved, however, and there are more women working on the ferries now. Women leave their mark, she noted, recalling her decision to add a personal touch to her now-familiar announcements on the Langdale run. She received a few complaints about the announcements but took them in her stride, reinforcing her message to stay positive. Lloyd feels strongly about leading by example and encouraging others to follow their dreams.This sentiment was echoed by Sunshine Coast chapter president, Carol Tiessen: "The mission of CFUW locally, nationally and internationally is to empower women and girls through education; to work for legislation to promote independence and equality; and to ensure stewardship of the resources necessary to develop a world of justice and compassion."
In order to help women achieve their educational goals, CFUW national has given more than $1 million in bursaries since the 1920s; the Sunshine Coast chapter has awarded $57,000 to local women since 1990. In addition, members locally filled tool boxes and donated them to the local transition house to help women get a fresh start.
Working to empower women and girls, CFUW-SC developed a resolution, adopted nationally, to demand that the provincial and federal governments correct the injustices suffered by the women and girls in polygamous communities, such as Bountiful, B.C. And, in October of last year, the local chapter hosted a successful one-day forum on the issue of water on the Sunshine Coast.
For more information on the club, go to www.cfuwsc.org.
