The Power Girls program is designed to encourage youth to pursue a career in STEM. | Photo courtesy of DiverseCity

Innovations in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) drive a large portion of today’s job market. Yet while many women now choose to pursue studies in STEM following post-secondary, the STEM sector remains a male-dominated one.

“It’s highlighted that women, even if they finish their degree in STEM, are less likely to enter the workforce for many reasons, such as familial obligations and priorities,” says Karamjit Jadeo, manager of children’s programs at DIVERSEcity.

Moreover, migrants and women of colour face additional barriers that may deter them from pursuing a career in STEM.

“Women in general are not quite represented well in the field of STEM,” says Jinny Sim, manager of outreach and diversity in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU). “I think generally in Canadian universities only 20%–30% [of STEM-related faculties] are women, so there is a national effort to really increase that number. Also, when we’re talking about families that are new immigrants or refugees, they don’t have the same access to resources,” she adds.

The beginning of change

Oct. 31 marks the start of the Power Girls program, a new joint venture launched by DIVERSEcity
and the Science ALIVE program at Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Faculty of Applied Science, with funding from the Canadian Women’s Foundation. The 14-week program will focus on empowering and inspiring migrant girls, aged nine to twelve, interested in the world of STEM. The first cohort will mainly focus on engineering, and women who have made contributions to the field.

“What we really want to see is for the girls to come out of this program with a sense of accomplishment,” says Sim. “We want to really motivate them to continue that passion for STEM throughout elementary and high school, and hopefully they pursue it in post-secondary.”

Participants will receive kits with all the material needed to follow the course, and lessons will be taught by a woman of colour with a background in STEM or education.

“We want an instructor that reflects the background of the participants. We are looking for a BIPOC student to run the program in order to build a more meaningful relationship with the girls and so that they feel that they actually belong in the field of STEM,” explains Sim.

Despite classes now being moved online due to COVID-19, the Power Girls program will continue to encourage self-confidence and inspire participants to continue reaching for their goals and aspirations within the STEM sector.

It’s time to start the discussion

By supporting migrant girls and sparking their interests, the Power Girls program aims to transform the STEM sector by breaking down social norms and barriers that women of colour and migrants face on a day-to-day basis.

“The feeling of not belonging is a scary one; it’s hard to reassure yourself when you don’t have anyone to look up to,” says Jadeo. “Representation is so important because seeing someone who faces similar challenges as you gives you strength. You will be more willing to continue in STEM and enter the job market if you see people in the field that look like you,” she adds.

The program will also act as a space to facilitate dialogue surrounding the fears and difficulties that girls may have when working in STEM, along with other facets of their lives.

“One of the outcomes we wish to see is that the girls feel more confident and open to STEM, and start those conversations in their homes that sends a ripple effect into the community,” concludes Jadeo.

For more information, please visit: www.dcrs.ca/new-hands-on-power-girls-program-empowers-racialized-girls-to-embrace-stem