What’s Next: Continuing the Global Movement to Accelerate Action for Gender Equality – International Women’s Day 2025

What’s Next: Continuing the Global Movement to Accelerate Action for Gender Equality – SCWIST’s Commitment to Advancing Women in STEM on International Women’s Day 2025

We join all on March 8th International Women’s Day (IWD),  to mark women’s achievements worldwide and renew the calls to action for gender equality. The theme for IWD 2025, Accelerate Action, highlights the urgent need to address the barriers that women face.

At the current rate of progress, the World Economic Forum estimates it will take until 2158—five generations—to achieve gender parity. While we acknowledge a rise in setbacks to achieving gender equality, individuals, organizations, and governments must continue to work together to push for progress towards a more equitable future.

Since 1981, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) has been working to remove barriers for women and girls, gender-diverse individuals and all equity-seeking groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). SCWIST remains proud of our mission to focus on STEM as a means to advance equality for Canada’s 21st Century Workforce. Through our unique programs and advocacy efforts, we aim high, and build on our commitment to support Canadian talent from the time they begin pursuing an education in STEM and throughout their entire career journey.

Sparking Curiosity Through STEM Explore Workshops

Our STEM Explore Workshops are designed to inspire curiosity and passion for STEM among young students. These hands-on workshops, offered to Grades 1–8 across Canada, focus on engaging activities like creating oobleck, building periscopes, and designing LED cards. Participating students receive age-appropriate, interactive learning experiences that inspire them to explore the wonders of science and technology.

Cultivating Future Leaders: Quantum Leaps

For high school students in Grades 9–12, our Quantum Leaps program provides one-on-one mentorship with STEM professionals. Mentors guide students as they develop a STEM-based project or STEM leadership events for their community. These young leaders develop their skills in leadership, project management, and financial literacy, preparing them for the next stage of their educational journey.

Supporting Career Development: Networking and Mentorship

Our career development initiatives range from mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, all which provide women and gender-diverse individuals with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their STEM careers. Our signature events include IGNITE: STEM Networking Night and our annual Women in STEM Virtual Career Fair, which connect STEM professionals with diverse talent, while creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

Accelerating IDEAS in STEM & Fostering Safe STEM Workplaces

Our Accelerating IDEAS in STEM initiative focuses on scaling best practices to advance women’s economic security, leadership, and decision-making. This project addresses gaps in workplace policies and cultures, creating equitable pathways for women, gender-diverse individuals, and youth to access and thrive in STEM careers. Our work also promotes Safe STEM Workplaces and male allyship, focusing on workplace cultures that build empathy and promote behavioural change. We are so proud to partner with and engage STEM companies all across Canada in scaling these promising practices for collective change

Looking Forward: Scaling a National Strategy for Equity in STEM

Our advocacy efforts have led to the development of a national strategy for equity in STEM. This comprehensive strategy addresses five key pillars of policy action, applying a gender-responsive and intersectional lens to dismantle barriers in education and career progression. We are very excited to share exciting new updates on this body of work – stay tuned!

Join Us in Accelerating Action

This International Women’s Day, SCWIST reinforces our commitment to #AcceleratingAction for gender equality through our What’s Next Campaign. The collective movement for systemic change continues as we strive to shape a better future for Canadian Talent in STEM.

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