BrownBag Series- October 2006 - Equality in Science? - Summary

Groups of women discuss provocative topics at locations in academia and industry throughout BC. October’s topic was about the statement Women have achieved equality in science and technology. Here’s a summary of the discussion from the different locations.

Thanks to Michelle La Haye for compiling the October BrownBag data.

University of Victoria

Total number of participants: 7, Faculty: 4, Staff: 2, Grad: 1

Definition of equality: 50% women

Solutions to overcoming equality:
More sensitivity in the workplace is required on the topics of women’s issues, minority’s issues and in general any topic for which a group places value.

Douglas College

Total number of participants: 3

Definition of equality: Equality at all levels, including upper management.

Solutions to overcoming equality:
The general populace needs to be more literate in the areas of math and science.
Another generation in terms of time is required for senior workers to retire and the ideas and stereotypes they hold to fade.

UBC

Total number of participants: 25, Faculty: 5, Staff: 2, Post-doc: 5, Grad/Undergrad: 13

Definition of equality: The same proportion of women in upper positions as lower positions and from the beginning of education through to the highest levels.

Being recognised as an individual who has equal rights rather than an oddity or something special, e.g. a faculty member, rather than a woman faculty member.

Solutions to overcoming equality:
Training for scientists and professors in terms of how to be a manager and on issues related to equality and ethics.
A change in behaviour: rather than placing women as victims, to identify when a manager is doing a poor job.
More role models and mentors.
Education in terms of addressing stereotypes.

UNBC

Total number of participants: 10, Faculty: 3, Grad/Undergrad: 3, Other (science related): 4

Definition of equality:
Male/female ratios in all career stages should reflect the ratio found in society.
Women should feel welcome and comfortable and not unique.

Interviews should not include women targeted questions related to marriage or children.

Solutions to overcoming equality:
A change of attitude regarding the roles of women starting at an early age is needed.

Hemmera

Total number of participants: 14, Hemmera: 12, TeckCominco: 1, Neptune Canada/UVic: 1
(Primarily hydrogeologists and geologists with a few engineers and biologists)

Definition of equality:
Equal numbers of women is not the most important aspect; instead, equal opportunities are more important.
Perception of women as professionals instead of in traditional roles such as housewife.

Solutions to overcoming equality:
Elimination of stereotypes and preconceived ideas about what roles are appropriate to women.
More opportunities in career development.
Tools to assist women to adapt and succeed, for example career vs. family choices.

Ballard

Total number of participants: 20

Definition of equality:
Equal opportunity such that gender plays no role in decision making.
Equal numbers of women in science and technology fields does not necessarily define equality.

Solutions to overcoming equality:
Elimination of barriers such as lack of role models, career vs. family, stereotypes and preconceived ideas of women’s roles etc, to women entering science and technology areas.

Education outreach programs to present opportunities to young women.
Improvement of the working environment to enable women to achieve a work/life balance.

NRC

Total number of participants: 18, Women: 16, Men: 2

Definition of equality:
Respect regardless of gender or how one looks.
Equal opportunity.
Equal pay scale for equal value.
To be recognised as an individual, to fit in, regardless of gender.

Solutions to overcoming equality:
Awareness – By being aware of any internal barriers, such as lack of confidence, biases, etc, and attempting to modify them.
Education of younger generations to change the perception of women’s options.
Expanding the comfort zone through one’s family by giving wide/equal choices to one’s children.
More role models and mentors.
Offering opportunities to women.
Eliminating stereotypes.

BCIT

Total number of participants: 8, Instructor: 4, Program Head: 2, Other: 2

Definition of equality:
Equality is more than numbers; means same level of respect, credibility and equal opportunity.

Solutions to overcoming equality:
Address more than just the recruitment issues. Negative experiences anytime during education or career lead to attrition and not achieving desired or deserved professional potential.
More women in management roles or in positions of power/decision making capacity both in terms of numbers and as role models.