How TMU researchers, innovators and students are addressing gender inequality and inclusion
Researchers across the university are assessing the inequality and inclusion of women in a variety of sectors. Above is a group of women laughing together.
International Women’s Day on March 8 highlights the importance of gender equality and raises awareness of women’s rights. From inequity in sports to gender-based violence in Canadian politics, gender inequality remains rampant in Canada. Across Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), researchers are showcasing what needs to change to ensure equal opportunities for women across society.
Blazing entrepreneurial paths
Five women are pursuing their entrepreneurship passions through support from the university’s Zone Learning network. Their businesses range from creating the first jacket with swappable art to providing sex education and menstrual products to women in rural Pakistan to running a mushroom supply and farm company.
Inequality in the sport sector
Achieving gender equity in sport has long been an uphill battle. As advocates for an equal playing field for all, RTA School of Media professors Nicole Forrester and Laurel Walzak and journalism professor Shireen Ahmed amplify the inequality women experience in various sport sector occupations and take strides to showcase how sports can be more gender inclusive.
Preventing gender biases in AI
AI can adopt several gender stereotypes and biases resulting from human-generated content and user satisfaction. Electrical and computer engineering professor, Ebrahim Bagheri, leads the Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) training initiative at TMU, where two methods to counteract these biases are being researched.
Addressing maritime sector gender discrimination
There are no longer any female workers in the French maritime longshore profession. Ted Rogers School of Management professor Lucas Dufour’s research found that in the 1960s when women made up a small percentage of the longshore workforce, a lower-status division of work was created for women based on gender discrimination (external link, opens in new window) . As time went on, women were pushed out of the profession altogether.
Promoting equity for women in STEM
Women across the Faculty of Science, involved with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and female-centered advocacy groups, are creating inclusive environments for women in STEM. They highlight their experiences, initiatives and the importance of gender equity in their field.
Gender-based violence in Canadian politics
Female politicians are experiencing a first-hand escalation in gender-based violence and exclusion in Canadian politics. In #MeToo turns five: Taking stock of gender-based violence in Canadian politics (external link, opens in new window) , Faculty of Arts professor Tracey Raney highlights new policies, codes of conduct and continuing media coverage surrounding the issue.