Women in engineering in Canada: the next challenges

Abstract

Enrolments of women in engineering have increased steadily (at the rate of 1 percent per year) for the past five or six years. We may reach a plateau, or see a decline, if the obstacles that are more systemic in nature and embedded in the culture, the curriculum and the teaching style, are not removed. The workplace environment is also a major factor and issues such as accommodating career and family (for both sexes), the elimination of harassment, sexism, and discrimination will have a positive impact on the retention of women who have chosen to be engineers. Women must also participate actively in the governance of the profession if it is to reflect their perspectives and respond to their needs.