March 8, 2024
International Women’s Day is a global reminder to recognize and honour the many and multifaceted contributions and achievements of women in every aspect of our lives and our world.
It’s also a time to take stock of advancements toward gender equity and to renew a commitment to do more.
International Women’s Day is a call to action: To dismantle barriers to equity, to challenge stereotypes and to create conditions where women’s contributions and value are recognized.
At McMaster, our students, faculty and staff are committed to embracing and celebrating diversity and empowerment year-round.
‘It’s time we start thinking about the value in difference’
Inclusive leadership isn’t just a best practice; it is a way of being in the world, writes Postdoctoral fellow Sheena Jary.
“Inclusive leadership is something we can all do — and we can practise it every day, at any time and in any context, simply by showing compassion and expressing interest in others — and in the world.
It’s time we start thinking more about the value in difference — and there’s no time like International Women’s Day to begin.”
Jary asked women across campus to reflect on leadership and inclusive excellence. Click here for what they had to say
Making a difference
Science student’s podcast delves into women’s health
With the support of Professor Kristina Trim, whose course equips students to explore their interests, Life Sciences student Nidhi Malhotra’s launched a podcast about women’s nutrition, hormone imbalances and gut health.
Fighting to be seen: The stories of early modern women philosophers
Researcher Allauren Forbes’ work focuses on women philosophers from the 16th to the 19th centuries, when they had to resort to unusual measures to be heard. Not much has changed.
Three ways to promote gender equity
Michelle Phoenix, an associate professor in the Speech-Language Pathology Program in the School of Rehabilitation Science, is co-chair of the school’s Anti-Racism, Anti-Bias, Anti-Oppression (ARABAO) Committee. In this video, Phoenix shares 3 ways you can promote gender equity.
Analysis: Girls are the leaders of today, not just the future
Girls are profoundly aware of gender, race, class and climate injustice and are working hard to create change with the resources they have, writes PhD candidate Alexe Bernier.
Four ways Mac Eng is igniting interest in STEM for girls
The Faculty of Engineering’s Community Outreach team is connecting with girls and young women through barrier-free programming.
‘Every industry needs to be representative of the society that we live in’ — In pursuit of diversity in tech
Metrolinx’s Chief Information Officer and DeGroote School of Business Directors College graduate Uma Gopinath is a driving force in closing the gender gap in the male-dominated industry.
‘Lifesaver’ program helps Science faculty members balance research and real life
Assistant professor and new parent Kirsten Bell talks about the Life Events Support Program, which helps faculty members keep their labs running while on leave.
Making progress toward gender parity
In fall 2023, the incoming cohort of BEng students included 43 per cent women — a 19 per cent increase since 2017. This marks a new milestone in the Faculty’s 65-year history.
Analysis: Violence prevention can transform Canadian hockey culture — but only if implemented properly
Violence prevention programs aimed at boys and men reduce the likelihood of abuse and improve the chances of bystanders intervening on behalf of victims, writes Maddie Brockbank.
Honouring Women of Distinction
From a current student to a 1982 graduate of the medical school to an activist who has guest lectured here, McMaster has been a part of the story for many of this year’s winners. The YWCA Hamilton’s annual awards celebrate changemakers whose tireless work and leadership is creating meaningful change. Learn more
Advancing gender equity in health care and education
“While it is important that we celebrate how far we have come in health care and academia regarding gender equity, it is crucial to remember there is still much to be done,” writes Saroo Sharda, associate dean of Equity and Inclusion for the Faculty of Health Sciences. Sharda talked to some of her colleagues, who have consistently moved forward gender equity in their careers in health care.
Click here for a statement from Barrington Walker, Vice-Provost of Equity and Inclusion.