Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)

Published purpose

Through this 33-month systemic change project, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) will scale best practices, programs, and advocacy to Accelerate IDEAS in STEM (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Sustainability) to advance women’s economic security, decision-making, leadership and prosperity. It will scale to companies, professional associations and enhance STEM professions across Canada. It will address gaps in inclusive hiring processes, workplace policies and cultures to create equitable pathways for women, gender-diverse people and youth to access STEM jobs and thrive in their careers. To do so, Accelerating IDEAS in STEM will engage communities affected by systemic barriers to address root causes, understand intersectional needs, and co-create solutions with equity-deserving groups that have been marginalized - including youth, Black, Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, 2SLGBTQ+, and women living with disabilities. The project will also provide workplace training, help develop processes and policies, and share knowledge to change attitudes, behaviours, and power dynamics across all organizational levels. With the Supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) will embed Systems Change (IDEAS in STEM) and the National Talent Strategy with organizations, strengthen national networks, and drive collective action for Canada’s STEM talent pipeline. This will occur through active engagement in SCWIST’s nationwide programming targeting high – throughput STEM sectors – and knowledge mobilization of key resources and tools for emerging companies. Through this, SCWIST will further advance gender equality.