July 15, 2025

Allyship at Work, led by the UN Global Compact Network Canada, is a 30-month research project focused on advancing women’s representation in workplace leadership by examining and elevating male allyship and addressing systemic barriers such as gender norms, leadership models, and power dynamics.

The initiative brings together professionals committed to gender equity in the workplace—including nominated or self-nominated male allies from Canadian companies—who have actively demonstrated their support for gender equity through their knowledge, beliefs, and actions.

Principal Duncan Higgins has been nominated to the initiative’s working group to discuss challenges to allyship and build a network of gender equity champions. He will contribute to the development of a comprehensive Allyship Action Guide, designed to empower organizations and individuals to integrate allyship into their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies through actionable steps that drive meaningful change.

At Diamond Schmitt, Duncan is an active member of the DEI Committee, supporting the firm’s commitment to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. The committee leads several internal initiatives through working groups focused on accessibility, Indigenous engagement, mentorship, and policy development—reflecting the firm’s belief that inclusive design empowers organizations, communities, and individuals to drive positive change.

Learn more about Allyship at Work initiative here.