Shahd Saeed, a computer science major with a minor in creative technologies, was shaped by her family’s scientific background. However, she perceives the strong gender gap in her and all science fields.
The president of the Computer Science Students Society says she always felt confident in science, technologies, engineering, and mathematics. “I always knew I was STEM-oriented,” she said.
With both parents holding PhDs in computer engineering, she highlights the contrasts seen in her classrooms, where she has found herself being one of the only girls and sometimes working twice as hard as her peers. Saeed works tirelessly to be the representation she wants to see.
As a result of the underrepresentation and challenges women experience in STEM, since December 2015, February 11 has been recognized as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to celebrate the achievements of women in science, inspire future generations, and address ongoing challenges in the field.
Kanusika Kalaichelvan, a mathematics major with a minor in statistics, was inspired by her father’s love for math. However, she also recognizes the lack of female role models in her field. “I maybe had two or three female professors in my math classes, even though I’m almost done,” she said. She aspires to be a professor to ensure every student feels included in math classrooms.
Globally, women make up 34% of the STEM workforce and 35% of students in STEM fields. In Canada, only 23% of the STEM workforce is female, despite 34% of STEM degree holders being women.
This year, UNESCO marks the 10th anniversary of the celebration with the theme “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” emphasizing the voices of women shaping scientific advancements.
But all stories are unique. Dr. Maria Velez, a geologist focused on micropaleontology and a professor at the University of Regina, views science beyond gender gaps, driven by curiosity and passion for earth sciences. “It’s been always part of me,” she said. Velez also praises the University of Regina’s efforts to increase awareness and inclusivity.
Sophia Ventrium, a geology major, loves studying Earth’s changes and engaging with people to understand the environment. “It’s always something we can help with,” she said. Ventrium mentions finding strong support in every workplace she has been part of.
Even with their love for STEM, they acknowledge the challenges women face in these fields. Despite the underrepresentation and biases, they all agree change is happening, and their stories emphasize how every one of us is important to unlock the full potential of science.
To engage with science initiatives, the University of Regina offers over seven science student societies, including U of R Women in STEM, which hosts events throughout the year.
On March 14-15, Saeed is organizing a hackathon, encouraging participation from programmers, businesspeople, artists, and strategists: “To build an application and solve a problem, you need more than just programmers.”
Additionally, UNESCO is hosting a hybrid event, “Fostering Women’s Representation and Leadership in the Jobs of Tomorrow,” at 7 p.m. today, aimed at celebrating, inspiring, advocating, and empowering future generations of women in STEM.
Today, and every day, we honour women in science and encourage the next generation that will shape the future.
