Message from the Chief People and Culture Officer

This Sunday, March 8, we join people around the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) – a moment to recognize the leadership, achievements, and contributions of women across our communities and within the TTC. It is also a moment to reflect honestly on the progress we have made, and the work that still lies ahead to ensure every woman can feel safe, respected, and able to thrive in our workplace.

Women strengthen every part of our organization. Over the past four years, the TTC has welcomed a growing number of women into roles across operations, maintenance, customer service, and leadership. This progress matters, and it reflects the talent, resilience, and commitment of women across the TTC.

At the same time, International Women’s Day asks us to confront some hard truths. Many women continue to experience harassment, discrimination, and harm in the workplace. Recent events in our own organization have underscored how deeply damaging these experiences can be, and how essential it is that we listen, respond, and act with care, seriousness, and accountability.

This year’s IWD theme, Give to Gain, reminds us that creating a respectful and inclusive workplace requires more than words. It requires sustained effort, transparency, and a culture where people feel supported to speak up, and confident they will be taken seriously. Ensuring that every woman who rides with us or works with us feels safe and respected is a core priority for the TTC, and one we know demands continuous attention and improvement.

Events and Opportunities
​Throughout March, employees will have opportunities to learn, connect, and access resources:

• Virtual Lunch and Learn: The TTC’s Human Rights and Investigations Department and the Access, Equity and Inclusion Department are planning a virtual Lunch and Learn to carry the momentum of International Women’s Day throughout March. Employees will have the opportunity to learn about industry progress, ongoing challenges, and the TTC’s updated Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Details to follow.

• IWD Roadshow: HRID and AEI teams will visit divisions and yards to share information about the TTC’s updated Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Policy, the complaint and investigation process, and community-based supports available across Toronto. These sessions are designed to increase awareness of gender-based violence, strengthen understanding of reporting pathways, and ensure employees know where to turn for help – inside and outside the workplace.

In addition, local organizations that support women and address gender-based violence will be present at select stations to share tools, resources, and information with customers and employees.

As we mark IWD 2026, we recognize both the contributions of women across the TTC and the responsibility we share to create a workplace rooted in dignity, safety, and trust. We thank every woman at the TTC for your leadership, resilience, and continued commitment – and we remain focused on the work required to ensure meaningful, lasting change.

Shakira Naraine
​Chief People and Culture Officer
​March 6, 2026