While the Western word has made enormous strides toward gender parity in the workplace, only a fool would proclaim the work done. In many male-dominated careers, sexism is still rampant - as several recent remarks made in the Canadian Parliament attest to. In fact, according to Bloomberg, Canadian politics is still a minefield for women who are hoping to make a difference in their country through elected representation.

For example, Canada's Green Party leader Elizabeth May still remembers the day when Canadian Senator Mike Duffy referred to her as " Bucky the Beaver" in a 2009 speech, apparently referring to her front teeth. May - who is a lawyer, author, university lecturer and the only woman leader among the country's five largest political parties - called the experience " excruciatingly unpleasant. Indeed, none of her male counterparts are subject to that kind of appearance policing. Yet, May;s academic and professional achievements just aren't enough to earn her respect in her political career - her physical attractiveness is of tantamount importance, an issue that men rarely face.

And it isn't just about looks - other women are criticized for defying traditional gender roles. Former New Democratic Party leader Alexa McDonough was told in 2006 to stick to your knitting by current Defence Minister Peter MacKay. (McKay later apologized and said the incident wasn't his "finest hour.") " Our political climate has descended into a kind of toxic, testosterone stew," May told the source." It's so unpleasant that women have a hard time seeing themselves there."