91福利

Women represent 47 per cent of Canada鈥檚 workforce, yet they make up less than 25 per cent of people employed in careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In addition, in 2022, only 23 per cent of all students in the engineering and architectural science programs at 91福利 (91福利) and just 15 per cent of students enrolled as science majors at the university identified as female.  

To address this major gap, on October 4, female leaders in academia and the STEM sector gathered for a frank discussion, held at 91福利鈥檚 George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre. The topic, 鈥淎djusting the variables: Writing the new formula for women in STEM,鈥� covered the changes needed to address the gender imbalance in STEM fields and how to chart a way forward for the next generation of women and girls. 

The event, organized by the university鈥檚 Alumni Relations office, the Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, featured:

Emcee

• Krystal Henry-Mathieu (Graduate Student, Environmental Applied Science and Management, 91福利; Founder, BLK Women In STEM)

Moderator

• Penny Wise (President, 3M Canada)

Panellists

• Dr. Emily Agard (Director of SciXchange, 91福利)
• Karla Avis-Birch (Civil Engineering 鈥�98; Chief Planning Officer, Metrolinx)
• Dr. Imogen Coe (Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biology, 91福利)
• Dr. Roxana S眉hring (Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biology, 91福利)
• Alice Thomas (Chief Architect and Digital Technology Officer, Sun Life)

Here are five key takeaways from the event:

1) Introduce STEM to girls at an early age

Young girls, like all young children, are naturally curious and have a scientific mind from a very early age. There needs to be guidance to keep that door open, and family and parents are a really important component of that success. S眉hring pointed out that, 鈥淕irls need to feel like they don鈥檛 have to break open the doors, but rather come from an environment where they already feel like it is a path for them.鈥� Avis-Birch added that there needs to be greater representation of women at all levels of the industry and in the media, so girls can start making different choices early on. 

2) Make roles more inviting to women

We need to showcase professions in STEM that are not in a lab so women can see there are different types of careers in the sector. Thomas suggested re-writing job descriptions to attract female candidates. For example, explaining that the candidate will be working with clients, have an impact on the bottom line or affect how the company runs, rather than just solely focusing on the technical aspects. Avis-Birch noted, 鈥淲omen usually are looking for something that鈥檚 going to give back to their community and that鈥檚 going to give them a sense of purpose.鈥�

In addition, Thomas said that women have to be part of the panels for interviews, and explained, 鈥淲omen candidates need to see people who look like them in the interview process so they feel like they belong.鈥� 

3) Involve men as allies and advocates

Men need to be part of the solution. 鈥淎ll men need to be involved in creating inclusive, creative and supportive environments for women and provide training and skills to achieve that,鈥� said Coe. She added that we need to do a lot more around healthy masculinities. 鈥淭here is a well-established kind of 鈥榖ro鈥� tech culture and engineering frosh culture, and it can be very exclusionary to women,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ale leaders need to step up and speak to these issues.鈥�

4) Build your team

Women need to find a mentor (someone who can coach you and help you navigate the field), a sponsor (someone who speaks about you when you鈥檙e not there and thinks about you from a career perspective) and champions (people who are in your corner and advocating for you). 鈥淪tay connected to people to get you through tough times or to just be there for you,鈥� Coe advised. 鈥淚t doesn't have to be people in STEM, but it is a broader network of support.鈥�

5) Manage 鈥渋mposter syndrome鈥�

Don鈥檛 shortchange yourself and remember all the things you have accomplished. 鈥淩emind yourself that you belong and deserve to be there,鈥� S眉hring said. Agard noted, 鈥淪eeking help is important because there are going to be times where you are struggling, but that鈥檚 okay because we all do.鈥� She added, 鈥淪truggle is not necessarily a bad thing. So when you have that 鈥榠mposter syndrome,鈥� know that you have your strengths, know that you belong there, but know that you don鈥檛 have to be perfect.鈥�