Partnership with Plan International Canada’s Girls Belong Here program raises $22k in employee donations to advance gender equality and diversity in the tech sector
Calgary, Canada — Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX: BLN), a global leader in connected safety technology, today announced that it has surpassed its goal to raise $20,000 for Plan International Canada’s youth leadership program, Girls Belong Here, by raising $22,000.
As part of Blackline Safety’s commitment to promoting diversity and gender equality in leadership, as well as STEM initiatives for youth, the company ran a five-week fundraising campaign that included a CEO Seat Share, where an 18-year-old engineering student took the helm at Blackline for the day. The campaign also included employee engagement activities and an online auction. Funds raised will go toward improving girls’ access to technology and tech education around the globe.
“We’re thrilled with the outcome of our fundraising campaign and partnership with Girls Belong Here,” said Blackline CEO and Chair, Cody Slater. “These kinds of programs are critically important. If we don’t openly address topics such as gender inequality in leadership and in the technology sector, they are not going to change on their own.”
According to UN Women, it will take 286 years to achieve gender equality at the current rate. The World Economic Forum is a little more optimistic at 131 years until gender equality.
“These numbers can feel overwhelming, but every little bit of change moves us forward. At Blackline Safety, we’re constantly innovating and encouraging new ideas as we shape the future of gas detection and lone worker safety, and diversity is crucial to this work. We’re proud to partner with an organization that is working in the global community to ensure a more equitable future,” Slater added.
Founded in 2004, Blackline Safety’s all-in-one solution for lone worker and gas detection improves frontline worker safety and optimizes operations by providing access to real-time information so workers have the confidence to get the job done and return home safe at the end of their day.
Launched in 2016, Girls Belong Here is instrumental in advancing professional development and leadership skills for young women changemakers aged 14 to 24. Through the program, Plan International Canada offers girls a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of CEOs and other leaders from diverse sectors while sharing their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
About Blackline Safety: Blackline Safety is a technology leader driving innovation in the industrial workforce through IoT (Internet of Things). With connected safety devices and predictive analytics, Blackline enables companies to drive towards zero safety incidents and improved operational performance. Blackline provides wearable devices, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and enhance overall productivity for organizations with coverage in more than 100 countries. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, Blackline provides a lifeline to tens of thousands of people, having reported over 200 billion data-points and initiated over seven million emergency alerts. For more information, visit BlacklineSafety.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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