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Alberta Legislature
By Liam Verster
Politics

Grande Prairie MLA pushes for more women representation in STEM fields

Oct 10, 2019 | 3:42 PM

The MLA for Grande Prairie is encouraging young women to study in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

On opening day of the Alberta Legislature, MLA Tracy Allard took the floor and addressed the Legislative Assembly with a Member’s Statement.

“Women make up just over 50% of the population, and they currently represent the highest enrollment in Canadian universities. However, women are under represented in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, also known as STEM.”

Allard adds that women already in these fields can encourage and inspire the next generation to become involved in STEM. She also says scholarships for women entering these disciplines have been effective in increasing interest and enrollment.

However, women remain very under-represented in engineering and computer science, with only 1/3 of STEM graduates employed being women.

“The issue of female graduates not getting hired into the STEM workforce, although qualified for these roles, perpetuates the cycle of low engagement for women in STEM.”

She adds that across the board, women make up just 10% of the workforce in STEM fields.

Allard says the lack of opportunities for women in these fields often lead to them working in jobs where they are over-qualified, and under-payed.

She says it’s time for a change, and wants to see women have an opportunity to work and excel in STEM careers, and in jobs where they may have previously been overlooked.

“Our government continues to work to grow Alberta’s economy. As our economy expands we have an opportunity to provide rewarding STEM career paths to more women. We will continue encouraging more women and girls to be involved in STEM fields, and give them the support they need to be successful and secure meaningful employment within the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Allard adds that this is an issue that is very close to home, as her daughter has the potential to work in these fields.

“Isabelle is in Grade 11 at this time. She is the youngest of three kids, and our only daughter, and her favorite subjects happen to be math and science. So she’s definitely a STEM candidate. She won the Striving for Excellence Award for the Grande Prairie Public School System for Grade 10, I think her average was hovering right around 98%. And I just think she’s a representative of many other young girls who are excited about this, but don’t have as many mentors as I would like to see.”

She says the province is working with other levels of government, in particular the Provincial Government of Ontario, to create more mentorship and scholarship opportunities for young women, as well as level the playing field for women entering these fields for employment.

Allard says she will be spending this month encouraging other Members of the Legislative Assembly to support women and girls in STEM, and to support the government’s initiative to encourage women in these areas of study.

by Liam Verster