Today, February 11, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and the imperative has never been stronger to continue celebrating and supporting girls, women and gender-diverse learners to bravely pursue their passions in science.

One of the continued barriers to their full participation are work environments that are unsafe. Globally, one in two female scientists have reported that they experienced sexual harassment at work (Tétaz, 2023). For students early in their academic studies, work-integrated learning - through co-ops, internships, field placements and more - is often their first introduction to their chosen career. With an increased risk of harassment, it has the potential to make their experiences even more precarious.

Our flagship initiative - At The Root - is underway to address sexual harassment in STEM-focused post-secondary experiential learning in Canada. It builds upon our previous national research-to-action project that found:

One in two post-secondary Canadian students have been subjected to at least one instance of sexual harassment in an experiential learning opportunity; and
Nearly 75 percent of staff at post-secondary institutions were aware of at least one example of sexual harassment against students engaged in experiential learning.

In collaboration and consultation with a national network of academics, students, administrators, advocates and employers, we are adapting practical and evidence-based tools that can better ensure the success of women and gender-diverse students studying and working in STEM disciplines.

Science careers are rewarding; deep curiosity and experimentation drives tangible and positive impacts in communities and economies. Women deserve the opportunity to not only work but thrive in these areas. With only 34 percent of STEM undergraduate degree holders identifying as women in Canada and only 23 percent continuing to actually work in science and technology (Wall, 2019), system change and action is needed for companies and the country to realize full innovation and results. At The Root is one step toward that vision.

Learn more >> 5 Myths About Sexual Harassment in Experiential Learning

References

Tétaz, A. (2023, March 23). Violences sexistes et sexuelles au sein du monde scientifique - Fondation L'Oréal Ipsos.com. https://www.ipsos.com/fr-fr/une-femme-scientifique-sur-deux-revele-avoir-ete-victime-de-harcelement-sexuel-au-travail

Wall, K. (2019, May 2). Persistence and representation of women in STEM programs. Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2019001/article/00006-eng.htm

Suggested Citation: Courage to Act Foundation. (2025). safer STEM Spaces: A Decade of The International Day of Women and Girls in Science. https://www.couragetoact.ca/blog/safer-stem-spaces-a-decade-of-the-international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science