February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The United Nations General Assembly’s ninth annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science is Sunday, February 11th. Celebrated globally, this day promotes equal access to and participation of women and girls in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

This year’s theme is Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability. It represents the need for more women in STEM careers that focus on sustainable development.

Although women outnumber men in post-secondary institutions, they are still underrepresented in STEM programs. And, according to Statistics Canada, 34 per cent of Canadians with a STEM degree are women, but women only account for 23 per cent of Canadians working in STEM careers.

The 2023 edition of B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook report identified several high opportunity STEM occupations. High opportunity occupations are expected to experience higher demand and offer higher pay compared to other occupations. The report also found that STEM professionals had the highest annual median employment income at $82,700.

Examples of high opportunity STEM careers

•    Software engineers and designers
•    General practitioners and family physicians
•    Specialist physicians
•    Mechanical engineers
•    Geoscientists and oceanographers

Use the Find Your Path tool to explore educational programs and careers in STEM.

Resources for women and girls pursuing education and careers in STEM

Women and girls pursuing education and a career in STEM can find mentors, scholarships, career tools, networking opportunities and support at the following organizations:
•    UBC’s Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology 
•    UBC's Women in Science and Engineering
•    B.C. Women in Technology
•    Women in Communications and Technology
•    Canada Learning Code
•    Women in Mathematics
•    Women in Engineering and Geoscience 

Read the Women in Tech World blog or watch the Everyone Belongs in Tech YouTube video to discover empowering success stories and to feel inspired.