Dr. Theresa Tam is raising awareness about the gender disparities and barriers for women and girls in STEM fields.SUPPLIED
As Canada continues to grapple with COVID-19, Dr. Theresa Tam, the country’s chief public health officer, has paid tribute to the efforts of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields who are using their skills and resources to support Canada’s response to the pandemic.
“Canada is setting an example worldwide for women’s representation in science and health leadership during the pandemic,” says Dr. Tam in a statement to mark International Women and Girls in Science Day.
But she says the pandemic has also raised awareness around the gender disparities and barriers that persist for women and girls across the STEM fields, noting the pandemic has amplified these inequities and made the barriers more difficult for women in STEM to overcome.
In the academic setting, women are leading fewer COVID-19-related clinical trials and are submitting fewer publications to preprint servers, says Dr. Tam, adding the effect is most pronounced for junior researchers in earlier phases of their careers – a time when even a small setback could be detrimental in terms of their long-term careers and research.
To mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on women in STEM and to ensure diverse participation in these fields in the future, she says engaging in open conversations within communities and institutions to acknowledge that gender inequities in STEM have intensified due to COVID-19 is a critical first step.
“To all women and girls in STEM, I recognize that school, work and many other aspects of life may be a little more difficult now, but I want to encourage you to carry on with the important work you are doing,” she says.
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