Tuesday, February 11 marked The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS). Recognized by the United Nations, IDWGS is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.
The UN website reads: Gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all, yet women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers […] Closing the gender gap in science requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women’s advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote inclusion, diversity and equity.
At the University of Toronto, the Climate Positive Energy team is centering women in STEM in year-round activities to support and inspire the next generation of climate scientists, activists, and leaders.
Climate Positive Energy supports more than 500 of U of T’s faculty and student researchers through programming, grants, and training opportunities, and in 2022, 42% of all applicants for CPE’s student awards and scholarships self-identified as women. While CPE continues to open opportunities for U of T’s women-identifying researchers to excel in clean energy and climate policy related research, the team supporting these women also consists of other women. In fact, 60% of the CPE core administrative team is women-identifying, and while you might not see these women in labs or in classrooms beside the scientists, engineers, chemists, policy makers, and mathematicians they support, these women form crucial parts of the STEM ecosystem – which includes not just researchers and engineers, but also women in strategy, finance, and communication who help bring the CPE vision and mission to life.
Recognizing that storytelling is a powerful tool in encouraging women and girls to explore STEM programs, the CPE team includes dedicated Communications Officer who shares stories and updates from its research team throughout the year, translating the complex scientific ideas of CPE researchers into easy-to-follow news for public understanding. Amplifying women’s voices in STEM through profiles and updates makes science and technology accessible, and showcases role models to and for future generations of clean energy researchers. Writers contribute to scientific literacy, policy making, and education opportunities to support and advance women and youth in STEM.
CPE organizes events and training opportunities that recognize and celebrate our researchers, including those from marginalized backgrounds and communities. Based on feedback from our guests, we know that when women and girls hear real stories from other women in leadership across the science and tech sectors, it makes these fields feel within reach for them – the next generation of climate leaders.
Since its inception, CPE has stood firm on its message that we all – from scientists and strategists to students and storytellers – play a role in solving the climate challenge. Today and every day, CPE is pleased to recognize and support the women in STEM who are leading groundbreaking climate change research activity at U of T – as well as the storytellers adjacent to STEM, who are part of the broader STEM ecosystem, and who support, celebrate, and inspire women in science, here in Toronto and around the world.