The International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Celebrated on the 11th of February, The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is not just a global observance but rather a call to break down the barriers that have historically hindered women and girls from fully participating in science. Let’s all use this day to champion the achievements of women scientists, encourage girls to pursue their scientific interests and advocate for equal opportunities in science education and careers.
In the spirit of this important day, we’d like to highlight the remarkable women within our organization who have not only pursued but excelled in their scientific journeys.
Madeleine Ankenman
In her role as the Western Watersheds Manager, Madeleine helps communities monitor their waters in British Columbia and Alberta. Through water monitoring and advocacy, the projects aim to increase food sovereignty, water access, and foster connections to water. Madeleine has a degree in Ecology from the University of British Columbia and has since turned it into a career dedicated to combatting the issues facing our natural environments. Madeleine is bringing diverse local and international experiences to help inspire communities to monitor, advocate, and protect their water. Madeleine’s watermark is the Salish Sea.
Why is it important for women and girls to get involved in science?
It is extremely difficult for people to aspire to be somebody they can't already see. We have grown up learning about great scientists, such as Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin, with a noticeable void in famous female leaders. The lack of female scientists continues into the present day, with 70% of the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) consisting of men.
As women and girls in the field of science today, I challenge you to change that. Look for leaders where you can find them- in great female scientists such as Jane Goodall, and Marie Curie, or look for other less-known women forging the path ahead. I encourage you to reach out to someone in a role that you would like to pursue one day. Most women are extremely happy to mentor early-career professionals. Ask them for an informational interview! You never know where it will lead.
As women in the field of science, it is our duty to become leaders of tomorrow, so that the next generation of women are inspired to follow suit. The history and experiences of women are different from those of other genders. We have the ability to challenge other points of view and to advance our fields in ways that may not have been thought of previously. Women have and will continue to make massive contributions to science, and the more of us that are doing so, the more our fields will thrive.
Megan Coad
Megan started as the Toronto Hub Assistant in the spring of 2022, moved into the Toronto Hub Coordinator role that Fall, and has now moved into the Water Programs Coordinator role. She is responsible for the operation of the Toronto Monitoring Hub and engages actively with the volunteers and other stakeholders in the Toronto Region. She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Geography at McMaster University and a Graduate Certificate in Ecosystem Restoration at Niagara College. She is passionate about protecting and restoring our natural spaces and educating people about the environment in ways that are both engaging and impactful. Megan’s Watermark is Hurds Lake.
Why is it important for women and girls to get involved in science?
Women have and continue to make enormous contributions to science and without their perspective and knowledge, we would not be where we are today. Unfortunately, throughout much of history women's contributions were often overlooked or unacknowledged such as Rosalind Franklin (who discovered the shape of DNA among other things), or Eunice Foote (who first theorized the greenhouse effect). It was these women who helped pave the way for women's place in science and helped demonstrate the value women have, at a time when they were rarely offered opportunity or respect within the community.
As a woman in science myself, I admire my predecessors for their efforts despite the hardships and discrimination they faced. I am able to participate and work in my field of passion because of their efforts and if we as women continue to carve our place in the scientific community those barriers will only be lessened for future generations of women and girls who also share our curiosity and love for science. We have unique perspectives that can lead to great leaps and discoveries that without a women's contribution would not be possible.
Georgia Cross-Bermingham
Georgia has worn a couple of different hats at Swim Drink Fish. She started in 2021 as the Assistant Coordinator at the Toronto Monitoring Hub. In the summer of 2022, she took the role of Coordinator at the Kingston Community-Based Water Monitoring Hub. Now she works on the Swim Guide and Blue Flag Program. Georgia’s watermark is Lake Ontario.
We are taught science is objective – the scientific method erases bias and subjectivity by relying on empirical evidence, systematic observation, and peer review. We control for variables so we can uncover a singular, objective truth, but science is only as objective as the researcher.
Why is it important for women and girls to get involved in science?
Our identities (gender, sex, race, ethnicity, etc.) influence our lived experience of the world, and thus our biases. If we fail to include women and other equity-deserving groups in science, we will continue to paint a limiting, one-dimensional view of the world. Take, for example, medical research. For a long time, medical research was focused on male subjects, leading to a limited understanding of how diseases and medications may affect female bodies. The same can be said for engineering, psychology, sociology, and computer science. For a more equitable world, we need more diverse perspectives in science.
Isabel Fleisher
As the National Manager of Swim Drink Fish's Water Monitoring Hubs, Isabel uses her passion for inclusive and anti-colonial science, collective knowledge production, and all things water to help communities across Canada become meaningfully connected to their local waters. Isabel has spent time living near all sorts of water bodies but initially returned to her hometown of T'karonto/Toronto to get involved with Swim Drink Fish and support the initiatives that connect and protect the people and the waters that were formative to her. Isabel’s favourite apple is an Ambrosia, and her watermark is Woodbine Beach on Lake Ontario.
Why is it important for women and girls to get involved in science?
Women and girls bring a unique perspective to science that is currently underrepresented. These perspectives are vital because to truly understand our world, we need to see it from as many angles as possible. When we don’t have women and girls in science, we’re missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Heather Patterson
As the Great Lakes (Biinaagami) Engagement Coordinator, Heather develops and fosters meaningful relationships with project partners, and helps to amplify the stories of environmental initiatives within the Great Lakes watershed. Heather grew up in northern Ontario with a love of the outdoors, and a keen interest in the interconnectedness of people, land, water, and wildlife. This led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Restoration Biology, a Master of Science in Environmental Science, and a Master of Science Communication. She is intensely passionate about community-based advocacy and monitoring in all aspects of ecosystem health, accessible and engaging communication, and the recognition of multiple ways of knowing in environmental research and stewardship. Her watermark is Lake Laurentian in Sudbury, Ontario.
What would you say to encourage women and girls to get involved in science?
I would tell women and girls who want to get involved in science that they don’t need to fit the traditional mould of a “scientist” in a lab. Learning and practicing science goes far beyond the walls of the classroom or laboratory, and can incorporate a wide range of skills. Some of my most rewarding experiences working in science have been getting outside and talking to people about the things they see in their everyday lives through a new lens.
As we conclude our celebration of International Women and Girls in Science Day, we are reminded of the incredible journey that women and girls have embarked upon in the realm of science. From the pioneering discoveries of the past to the innovative research shaping our future, their contributions have been indispensable. Yet, the journey does not end here. It is a continuous path of discovery, innovation, and breaking barriers.
