Gender and organization: On the underrrepresentation of Acadian and Francophone women of New Brunswick in decision-makings positions and the strive for change

Abstract

While it is of common thought in New Brunswick (Canada) that gender equality has been achieved, Acadian and French-speaking women living in this province are systematically underrepresented in leadership roles within their community. Indeed, women are left behind in terms of professional advancement in every social spheres, such as the political, judicial and private enterprises’ spheres, in spite of numerous organized fights and different governmental and private initiatives for gender change. The present research investigates the causes of underrepresentation of Acadian and French-speaking women of New Brunswick in decision-making positions from the perspective of Acadian people’s strive for autonomy and gendered organizational processes. It is argued that in order to tackle the issue, it is fundamental to take into consideration formal and informal, individual and systemic, and most importantly the deep structures of a given society that result in women’s inequality in power structures. Grounded on extensive background research in matters of gender organizational studies and Acadian studies, nine Acadian or French-speaking women that hold leadership positions within their community were also interviewed in order to extract and illustrate the different causes for the problem at stake and to help identify potential change agents. It is intended mainly to women’s organizations that aim at providing support to gender change agents enrolled in organizational structures.