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There continues to be a gender gap in STEM fields in Canada.
To try to change this, we can tell girls and young women that they are equal to boys and men and that they can do all the same things that boys and men can do. We can tell them that they can have careers and make an impact in STEM fields. We can point them, even nudge them, towards science, technology, engineering, and math education.
But our words might not be enough. These girls and young women need to see the link between themselves and STEM fields. They need to be able to envision themselves there. Gender-based stereotypes are reinforced for them unless they actually see something different. They need to be able to identify with the work being done in STEM fields and connect it to their own lives.