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Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes
If you are a woman or a gender-diverse person and want to be in science, there is only one step to take: simply be present in the field of science. Whether as a student, researcher, educator, or support staff member. That is easier said than done, as the scientific community often demands that women and gender-diverse individuals prove they are qualified to have a seat at the table. February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At UM Faculty of Science, we take this chance to hold conversations around the inclusion and thriving of women and gender-diverse people in science.
IUPAC UM's Women Chemists and Allies Breakfast Mixer
The week-long celebration of the community started by the IUPAC University of Manitoba’s Women Chemists and Allies Breakfast Mixer, hosted by the department of chemistry EDIA committee. Students, faculty and staff members gathered to support each other and celebrate the contributions women chemists and allies make at the University of Manitoba.
IUPAC UM's Women Chemists and Allies Breakfast Mixer
Celebrating the day in the Rotunda at the Legislative Building
On February 11, UM science community members could be found in two places across the city. A group of researchers attended the Manitoba Legislative Building to inspire the next generation of women to take up space in science in Manitoba. The event included a keynote speech from Dr. Carrie Selin, Wawatay Program Development Specialist at the Faculty of Science. What Selin emphasized was that women and girls belong in science. Not confidently, not while they hold all the answers, and without having to prove themselves.
You belong in science exactly as you are. Not when you are more confident. Not when you have all the answers. Not when you fit a certain mold. Your curiosity, your questions, your values—they are needed now.
UM Faculty of Science community in the Rotunda at the Legislative Building
"Picture a Scientist" film screening
Another group of students, faculty and staff attended the movie screening of “Picture a Scientist” hosted by the Faculty of Science.
“Picture a Scientist”, a 2020 Emmy-nominated documentary, tells the stories of multiple female researchers and the barriers they have encountered throughout their academic careers. The film discusses how the field of science can become more equitable, diverse and open.
“I wasn’t shocked by any of it”, said one of the students, “but I was shocked by how other men were oblivious to what the women in their team were going through.”
At the end of the screening, Dr. Ayush Kumar, the Faculty of Science’s associate dean, reminded the audience of the resources and support available and reiterated the faculty’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
"Picture a Scientist" film screening
Talks with Dr. Cynthia Goh
As part of the week-long celebration of women and gender-diverse people in science, the Faculty also held an academic lecture, and a general talk followed by an interactive workshop with guest speaker, Dr. Cynthia Goh. Goh is an NSERC Scholar - Entrepreneur in Residence. She is a professor at the University of Toronto, where she is also a founding director of the Impact Centre. The general talk and workshop revolved around solving real-world problems through research, why having a culture of innovation matters and how we can create one.
Talks with Dr. Cynthia Goh
Learn more
Throughout the week, the faculty also celebrated many students, faculty and support staff in science on various social media platforms.
To learn more about the accomplishments and contributions of women and gender-diverse people in the Faculty of Science, you can watch the videos on our YouTube channel.
Boilerplate: Community
Creating space for everyone to thrive is more than a goal—it’s who we are. Fostering a vibrant community is among the commitments you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
