Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Research
Western Professor among top Canadian Women in Science
Western engineering professor Martha Dagnew has been named to the 3M 25 Women in Science Program, the first time the program has recognized recipients in Canada. As a leader in civil and environmental engineering, Dagnew's groundbreaking research on protecting water sources from climate change, urbanization, and industrial contaminants is transforming environmental sustainability. Her innovative solutions minimize greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and physical footprint, making water treatment more sustainable. This recognition underscores the crucial role of women in STEM and inspires future generations of women engineers, promoting diversity and representation in science.
“Science thrives on diversity. To solve the real environmental challenges we face, people of all backgrounds must come together.” – Marie-Claude Brandys, managing director of 3M Canada
Sexuality and Gender Research Group
The Sexuality and Gender Research Group brings together researchers from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities with scholars in other disciplines to discuss questions of sexuality and gender. Every year, the group hosts several academic talks as well as Queer Research Day every April, a full-day event involving both papers and poster presentations.
Gender-Based Violence
Dr C. Nadine Wathen, PhD, FCAHS, is a Full Professor and Canada Research Chair (SSHRC, Tier I) at Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on the impacts of gender-based violence on health and well-being. Dr Wathen collaborates with shelters, health clinics, emergency services, and schools to develop and implement trauma- and violence-informed, equity-oriented practices and policies. Her work emphasizes health equity and aims to ensure that new knowledge is effectively mobilized to inform decision-makers, including policymakers, health and social service providers, advocates, and the public.
Teaching
Linamar Scholarship
The Linamar Scholarships at Western supports up to 10 female students in the dual degree program in Engineering and Business (BESc/HBA). The scholarship includes half of the tuition for all years of the dual degree program, summer co-op, and guaranteed employment.
Women-only Training for Advanced Machining
Western's Faculty of Engineering has launched a women-only Advanced Machine Shop Training course, aimed at increasing female participation and addressing gender disparities in engineering. This program, championed by Stephanie Tigert, provides hands-on technical training in a supportive environment, aligning with the faculty’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
Women in Asset Management
Ivey Business School’s Women in Asset Management (WAM) program aims to boost female presence in Canada’s asset management industry. Available to students who self-identify as women and are completing their second year of studies at any Canadian university, this tuition-free program is subsidized by corporate sponsors. It includes a month of in-class training in May, followed by a 10-12 week internship at an asset management firm from June to August. The WAM program combines academic instruction with practical industry experience to support the career development of women in asset management.
Ivey Business School Opens the Market to celebrate Women in Asset Management Program
Outreach
Celebrating Women Pioneers in Medicine at Schulich
On International Women’s Day 2024, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry honors pioneering women like Dr Marie Jeanne Ferrari, BA’55, MD’59, one of its oldest living alumni, who broke barriers to pursue careers in the male-dominated field of medicine. The celebration highlights past achievements and features current female medical students forging new paths. By recognizing these contributions, the event promotes gender equality and inspires future generations of women in medicine. This celebration underscores the progress made and the ongoing efforts needed to achieve gender parity in the medical field.
“International Women’s Day is the perfect occasion to recognize the achievements of women who, past and present, have contributed to increased opportunities and successes for all women.”
Western Students Elevate Youth Voices at UN Commission on the Status of Women
Ziyana Kotadia and Aisha Imana
Western graduate Ziyana Kotadia and student Aisha Imana are part of the Canadian delegation at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Selected by Young Diplomats of Canada, they advocate for gender justice, inspired by their experiences at Western. They engage in high-level meetings, present policy recommendations, and emphasize the importance of youth voices in global gender equality discussions.Girls in Engineering
Operations
Trans Affirm: Supporting Gender Diversity in Education
Trans Affirm at Western is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for trans and gender-diverse students. It offers comprehensive resources, including academic publications, toolkits, and vetted external materials, to meet the specific needs of these students. By implementing inclusive policies and practices, Trans Affirm aims to eliminate discrimination and promote gender equality within educational settings. The program’s core mission is to empower trans and gender-diverse students through ongoing support and the integration of affirming practices in the university’s operations.
Download the toolkit
Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children
CREVAWC was established in 1992 following a national study on violence against women, prompted by the 1989 École Polytechnique de Montréal tragedy. CREVAWC conducts research to address systemic barriers to the safety of women and children, reflecting Western's commitment to public service and knowledge advancement. With extensive partnerships within the university and beyond, the Centre tackles community-based issues and generates impactful research. Its mission focuses on disrupting cycles of gender-based violence in homes, workplaces, and communities.
Gender-Based & Sexual Violence Action Committee
The Gender-Based & Sexual Violence Action Committee at Western aims to transform campus culture by addressing and preventing gender-based and sexual violence. The committee makes strategic recommendations to foster a safer and more inclusive environment. Western University values respect and diversity, providing a range of services under Wellness & Well-being to prevent harm, respond to reports, and support those affected by gender-based and sexual violence, ensuring a supportive campus community.
