5 ways TMU is helping to close the gender gap

October is Women's History Month in Canada, a time to look back at how far gender equality has come and to ask what's left to do. At TMU, that work is happening year-round, from cybersecurity boardrooms to Parliament Hill to the lab.

TMU is observing the month by highlighting its own work in the area. The university has committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including  SDG 5: Gender Equality. That means reducing barriers, closing gaps and building spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Here’s a closer look at how TMU is putting that commitment into action.

Closing the gender gap in tech 

Companies led by women are 25 per cent more likely to outperform their competitors on profit and innovation, according to the McKinsey Global Institute (external link) . Yet, while women make up nearly half the workforce, only 37 per cent are managers and just five per cent of Canadian companies have a woman CEO (external link) . 

TMU’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is working to change that. Its Mastercard Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative (ELCI) (external link)  helps women and non-binary leaders move into executive roles in cybersecurity. The program builds business skills and leadership experience to help participants become changemakers in the field.

Changing the face of Canadian politics

Women hold just 30.6 per cent of seats in Canada’s Parliament (external link) . TMU’s Women in the House program is working to close that gap too. 

The Faculty of Arts program is co-led by Tracey Raney, a professor in politics and public administration, and Peggy Nash, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and former member of Parliament. It focuses on women in Canadian politics and policymaking that considers overlapping forms of inequality. 

Students build public speaking, and leadership skills. They also network with politicians, labour leaders and community advocates in Ottawa and Toronto.

“My hope is that more women and gender-diverse people will step forward to run for elected office and help shape the future of our communities, our country, and our democracy,” says Raney. “We need leaders who reflect the diversity of the people they serve and who are ready to challenge the status quo and build a more inclusive future.”

Raney and Nash say they’ve watched years of students move through the program with real talent, drive and leadership. They’re confident in what the next generation can do.

“They have the ideas, the ambition, and the courage to lead and to help build a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for everyone,” says Raney.

Research that improves health outcomes

TMU researchers are also making an impact through health research. The Centre for Sexual and Gender Minority People, also known as the HOPE Centre (external link) , is the first and only centre in Canada focused on health research for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. 

The HOPE Centre doesn’t stop at research. It turns findings into real  policy and practice changes that improve health outcomes for the people it studies.

Building a safe, inclusive campus

Safe, inclusive spaces matter for student well-being. TMU has added all-gender washrooms across campus to support that goal. 

The university also runs an online hub for 2SLGBTQ+ students. It brings together mental health services, student groups and peer networks in one place, making support easier to find.

Supporting women in scholarly, research, and creative activities

TMU values the role research and creative work play in driving change and building knowledge. By welcoming different perspectives and experiences, the university encourages students and faculty to take risks, ask new questions and find fresh solutions.

The Empowering Women in Academia series highlights women’s achievements across TMU It builds mentorship networks and sparks conversations about barriers women still face in higher education. 

The Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST) Women in STEM Summer Internship (external link)  gives students in science and engineering direct research experience. It also connects them with professional networks to support careers in STEM and health care fields.

Dafna Sussman, a professor of biomedical engineering and director of TMU’s graduate program, is co-leading a project with Sinai Health. The team is building  an AI-powered tool to speed up diagnosis of endometriosis and pelvic pain – a project aimed squarely at closing gaps in women’s health research.

The work continues

Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate progress. But TMU says there’s still more to do. 

The university remains committed to advancing gender equality and trans rights, and to supporting women-identifying and 2SLGBTQ+ communities on campus and beyond.

To learn more about TMU’s work on gender equality, visit the UN Sustainable Development Goals website.