The answer is probably: more than you think. At least, according to the experience of the team at Dress for Success Montreal. The women these volunteers take under their wing underestimate their value, a problem the organization hopes to address with its first-ever employment summit.
The L’étoffe du succès/Dress for Success Montréal boutique, located on de l’Épée Avenue, has over 3,000 items for women: dresses, suits, bags, jewelry, cosmetics… Everything you could want to look great at the office. What’s different from other stores is that here, everything is free.
Dress for Success is a global organization that promotes women’s economic independence. It has more than 130 chapters, including 13 in Canada. The Montreal office is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.e anniversary. Every day, women who request it by filling out an online form get an appointment in store, where volunteer stylists help them find two perfect outfits for a job interview. Once they land a job or internship, women can come back and receive three new outfits for free.
One thing is clear as I walk through the store: I would happily wear almost every piece I see. The organization’s mandate is to ensure that the clothes donated match current trends, and it’s a successful bet. They come from both individuals (note to those interested: you can bring your donations every first Saturday of the month) and companies selling their samples.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Clodie Durand, Sophie Katz-Milo and Kelly Castiel
Last year, more than 700 women visited the store. By mid-July this year, there had already been 767… Demand is exploding and the people who benefit from the good care of L’étoffe du succès/Dress for Success Montréal do not necessarily match the images that quickly come to mind. Some have made careers as managers before becoming caregivers or seeing their workplace restructured during the pandemic. Five years later, they are faced with a transformed job market and are struggling to find their bearings. L’étoffe du succès/Dress for Success Montréal also offers many online tools, such as free conferences and webinars, as well as mentoring and job search programs.
The majority of clients are between the ages of 35 and 55, and nearly half of them have immigrated to the country in the last five years. When they contract the services of L’étoffe du succès/Dress for Success Montréal, they experience a “transformational moment,” says the organization’s executive director, Sophie Katz-Milo. Kelly Castiel, operations and programs manager, even calls it a “trust store.”
And confidence is something you gain by acquiring young when you are aiming for professional emancipation…
A survey of 14,677 women worldwide, including 1,504 in Canada, was conducted in November 2023 (via YouGov for Indeed). What we learned is surprising: “Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Canadian women feel they are not paid enough for the work they do. [Malgré tout]nearly half of women in Canada do not feel comfortable asking for a raise. When asked why, 30% cite a lack of confidence, while 27% cite fear of negative consequences.
Yet, and this is important to note: “As in other markets, women in Canada who asked for a raise got one: 75% received a pay increase in some form.”
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Sophie Katz-Milo
Well aware of the obstacles that a lack of self-confidence imposes, the team at L’étoffe du succès/Dress for Success Montréal now wants to reach the workers of tomorrow. Sophie Katz-Milo even dreams of a mobile boutique that would allow female students in the province to obtain free professional clothing on their campus. In the meantime, she is organizing a first employment summit for women aged 18 to 29. The free event will be held on September 29 at the W Hotel in Montreal. Participants will be able to attend numerous workshops, a networking 5 to 7 and a photo shoot after which they will be offered a professional portrait free of charge.
Among the topics covered during the conferences: self-confidence, highlighting one’s expertise, creating good credit and salary negotiation.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Clodie Durand
Clodie Durand was keen on this last point. The social media and administration coordinator for Dress for Success Montréal remembers a job interview she attended early in her career. Her interviewer asked her how much she expected to be paid if she got the job. Clodie answered evasively. The woman then gave her some advice: “I just want to tell you: never hesitate to negotiate your salary because that’s why we end up with gaps between men and women. We don’t feel comfortable doing it, but we have to negotiate.”
Clodie has since sought to promote advice on improving women’s autonomy. For her, the employment summit is an opportunity to introduce the organization’s services to a new group of people: “We don’t necessarily know it when we’re at school, but we can get several things for free thanks to the goodwill of others! Kindness is there, just around the corner…”
The Jobs Summit will take place on September 29, 2024 at the W Hotel.
Visit the event website
Visit the Dress for Success Montreal website
Read the Indeed report Beyond Empowerment: Promoting Women for Better Work