Why should we be talking about equality in STEM?
Throughout the history of science, women have been prevented from entering STEM fields and achieving the same level of success as their male peers. Even in today's political climate, as societies around the world strive for gender equality, female-identifying individuals are met with more structural and institutional barriers in their careers, and remain significantly under-represented in many STEM disciplines, especially at a leadership level [1]. This issue is compounded for indigenous women, women of colour, and women with intersecting marginalized identities, who may not be able to access the same opportunities as their more privileged majority peers, and who are more likely to face discrimination and harassment [2].
Research has shown that gender stereotypes [3,4], relatively weaker social networks [5], reduced visibility [6,7], and increased expectations or burden of family and childcare responsibilities [8] all perpetuate this inequality. By creating a space where female-identifying students can benefit from the support of other students and professionals, while challenging stereotypes, learning from successful women, and building their social networks, the International Women in Science Day Conference aims to address the root causes of gender inequality in STEM. We also hope to recognize and promote incredible female scientists at McMaster University and beyond.