What does it mean to “run like a girl”? In the past, it often implied running poorly or slowly. But today, thanks to advocates like Catherine McKenna, this idea has changed. McKenna, Canada’s former minister of environment and climate change, recently visited McMaster University to promote her new book, Run Like A Girl.
The book was born during the pandemic. McKenna wanted to reflect on her experiences and connect with others. She felt a strong need to give something back, especially to the women and young people who supported her.
McKenna’s message is timely. Many feel we’re losing ground on issues like climate change and diversity. Her book delves into themes of ambition, resilience, and making changes on your own terms.
During her keynote address, McKenna shared her journey. She spoke about her early dreams of being a swimmer, her law degree, her time at the UN, and her fight against climate change in politics. She faced challenges, especially misogyny, as a woman in this field.
The title of her book comes from a childhood memory of playing soccer. At just 10 years old, she was told she ran “like a girl.” At the time, she took it as an insult, believing she had to behave like the boys to win. Now, she flips that idea around, encouraging people to embrace their unique strengths.
After leaving politics in 2021, McKenna highlighted that while it was a significant part of her life, it wasn’t everything. She addressed young people, acknowledging that they’ve faced challenges like climate crises, divisive politics, and a pandemic. McKenna advised them not to stress too much about planning every detail of their futures, saying, “You don’t have to plan out your whole life.”
Following McKenna’s keynote, a discussion took place with professors Kristina Llewellyn and Beverly Jacobs, moderated by Karen Bird. They explored what leadership looks like today and how young leaders can make their mark. Llewellyn pointed out that our society often values aggressive leadership styles over collaboration and emotional intelligence. It’s important to reshape how we define leadership.
McKenna shared her experiences with misogyny during her political career, including being called names intended to belittle her. She remarked that political culture allows behavior that would be unacceptable elsewhere.
Despite the challenges, McKenna remains hopeful. She emphasized the importance of women in leadership roles, especially in tackling climate change. According to a recent study, women are 2.5 times more likely to take meaningful action on climate issues. McKenna expressed her belief that women are paving the way forward.
Her book serves as an inspiration, particularly for young people navigating today’s complex landscape. By sharing her authentic experiences, McKenna empowers others to ask themselves what they can do to create change.
In a world where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, McKenna’s story reminds us that passion and perseverance can lead to meaningful contributions. Whether in politics, environmentalism, or advocacy, every action counts.
For more insights on women in leadership and climate action, you can explore resources from [UN Women](https://www.unwomen.org) and [McMaster University’s Wilson College of Leadership](https://wilsoncollege.mcmaster.ca/).
