On September 20th, 2024, Montréal will host the first edition of the STEM Women Congress (SWC) in Canada, marking a significant milestone in the global movement towards gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This event not only represents the launch of the Canadian Chapter of the STEM Women Association but also highlights Canada’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within these critical fields.

STEM Women Congress, founded six years ago in Barcelona, Spain, has grown into a vibrant global network of over 6,000 women in STEM. With chapters now established in six countries—Canada, Colombia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil—the SWC has become a beacon for women in STEM worldwide, advocating for gender equality and promoting initiatives to bridge the gender gap in these fields. 

A GROWING GLOBAL NETWORK FOR CHANGE  

The establishment of the Canadian Chapter of the STEM Women Association marks the beginning of a new era for women in STEM across the country. With its roots in Barcelona, the SWC has a strong track record of mobilizing women in STEM, offering visibility, and fostering community connections across borders. The Canadian Chapter will join this powerful network, providing Canadian women in STEM with a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and achievements, while also contributing to global efforts to close the gender gap in STEM. 

In its relatively short history, the STEM Women Congress has already made significant strides in advancing the cause of gender equity. The organization was recently honored with the Women Changing the World Award, supported by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, in May 2024. Additionally, in 2023, the SWC received the prestigious DONA TIC Award from the Government of Catalonia, recognizing the initiative as a leader in driving change within the STEM community. 

UNIQUE INSIGHTS AND GLOBAL IMPACT 

One of the SWC’s most notable contributions is the STEM Women Annual Report, an unparalleled resource that offers a comprehensive overview of the initiatives working to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM across the globe. “This report, produced using a unique methodology developed by the SWC, provides valuable insights into the current state of gender equity in STEM, identifying gaps and proposing targeted actions to accelerate change. The report serves as a vital tool for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders seeking to make informed decisions that will drive progress in this area” says Eva Diaz, CEO of the Global STEM Women and the STEM Women Congress. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF GENDER EQUITY IN STEM  

Promoting gender equity in STEM is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for the advancement of these fields and for the development of innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Studies have shown that diverse teams, particularly those that include women, are more creative, make better decisions, and produce more impactful results. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in many STEM fields, both in Canada and around the world. 

“In Canada, women represent only 23% of workers in STEM occupations, highlighting the critical need for initiatives like the STEM Women Congress. By increasing the representation of women in these fields, Canada can tap into a broader range of talents and perspectives, ultimately driving innovation and economic growth” says Zara Hakima Yahi, president of the Canada Chapter of the STEM Women Association. 

The Canadian government has recognized the importance of addressing this gender imbalance, and initiatives like the Canadian Chapter of the STEM Women Association are crucial in supporting these efforts. “Through events like the STEM Women Congress, we can inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEM and ensure that their contributions are recognized and valued” says Eva Diaz.  

A PLATFORM FOR LEADERS AND INNOVATORS  

The first edition of the STEM Women Congress in Canada will bring together a diverse group of speakers, including leaders from academia, industry, and government, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in STEM today. The program includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and inspire action. 

One of the highlights of the event will be the official welcoming of Canada to the Global STEM Women ecosystem. In a symbolic gesture of this new alliance, the Ville of Montréal will receive the “Knowledge Stairs of Ramon Llull,” a sculpture presented by the Spanish Embassy in Canada. This artwork represents the journey of knowledge and the continuous effort to climb higher in the pursuit of understanding and innovation. 

JOIN THE MOVEMENT  

As we prepare to launch the Canadian Chapter of the STEM Women Association, we invite women in STEM, as well as allies and supporters of gender equity, to join us in this important endeavor. Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative future for STEM in Canada and beyond.