OTTAWA, ON – July 6, 2021 – Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation has partnered with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) to develop an array of inspiring, educational resources in support of gender equity among ocean science careers.
Women and non-binary persons have always made important contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, yet studies show that gender inequity persists in these fields. This new partnership seeks to promote visibility for women and non-binary persons working in ocean science and builds off Ingenium’s existing Women in STEM initiative — designed to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM and promote gender equity in these fields.
In support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), this multi-year partnership with Ingenium, DFO, and the CCUNESCO aims to help make women and non-binary persons working in ocean sciences more visible, to promote careers for them, and to celebrate achievements and advocates in the hopes of inspiring a new generation of ocean scientists.
As part of the initiative, Canadians as well as the broader international community can now access FREE “Ocean Decade” content from the Ingenium Women in STEM web site, including:
- A video showcasing real stories of women and non-binary persons working in ocean science (created by the partners and the National Film Board)
- Educational posters for classrooms, community centres or workplaces
- Educational resources
- Research and study materials
Ingenium, DFO, and CCUNESCO are also hosting a Wikipedia Edit-a-thon on July 8, 2021 to train volunteers to edit, add, or translate ocean science Wikipedia entries to better reflect how women and non-binary persons are represented in the field. While women and non-binary persons continue to be underrepresented in ocean science, they have made significant contributions that should be shared widely with the world.
Quotes
“A strong, sustainable blue economy is inclusive. Gender equity is critical to developing scientific knowledge, building infrastructure, and fostering relationships for a sustainable and healthy ocean. By breaking down barriers, we will unlock opportunities and innovation in ocean science. I look forward to seeing more women and non-binary persons help drive our sustainable blue economy through their contributions to ocean science.”
-The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Ingenium's initiative aims to engage, advance, and retain the interest of young people in the STEM fields. We are thrilled to expand the Women in STEM initiative to spotlight ocean science, and to showcase diverse role models to inspire others to pursue careers and leadership opportunities in ocean science.”
-Christina Tessier, President and CEO, Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
"The Canadian Commission for UNESCO is proud to partner on this important initiative. The entire research ecosystem benefits from diverse perspectives. Fighting for gender equity will help achieve the ocean we want during this UN Decade, ensuring that the brightest and the best are involved".
- Roda Muse, Secretary General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO
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Media Contact
Christine Clouthier
Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
cclouthier@ingeniumcanada.org
(613) 410-5943
About Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
Ingenium oversees three national museums of science and innovation in Ottawa - the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum— and the new lngenium Centre, which houses an exceptional collection, research institute, and digital innovation lab.
lngenium takes science engagement to the next level by co-creating participatory experiences, acting as community hubs and connectors, helping Canadians contribute to solving global challenges, and creating a collective impact which extends far beyond the physical spaces of our museums.
Ingenium is a vital link between science and society. Our engaging digital content, outreach programs, travelling exhibitions, and collaborative spaces help to educate, entertain, and engage audiences across Canada and around the world.