UNBC launches two-week celebration of women in science

UNBC’s first ‘Inspiring Women Among Us’ event is officially up and running.

The two-week-long celebration of women in science kicked off on Friday, with guest speakers, workshops, and the return of the Discovery Centre highlighting the opening weekend.

Faculty Organizer Dr. Annie Booth says she decided to make a point by asking her classes to name 5 female scientists…

“Sometimes they come up with Rachel Carson, maybe they’ll come up with Marie Curie, they almost never come up with her daughter… And then they’ll stop, and they just look at me. If you say ‘Can you name 5 male scientists?’ Boom! They can do that. We really have to focus on all contributions so the next time I ask that question, they can name equal numbers.”

Entrance to every event over the next two weeks is free, but people have the option to donate to an ‘Inspiring Women Among Us Award’, which will be awarded to a women pursuing a university degree next year.

Wikimedia advocate Patrick Earley will also be on hand to discuss the shortage of women at Wikipedia, and provide a unique, ongoing opportunity.

“Anyone who would like to can come up and write a Wikipedia entry on a female scientist. She doesn’t have to be Canadian, it can be past or present, and everyone is welcome to try that. It will be held at UNBC, it will be held at the Prince George Public Library, and it goes until January.”

While the event is one of celebration, and acknowledging barriers, it has ties in tragedy.

“UNBC and the Northern Women’s Centre typically host a commemorative event to recognize the Dec. 6th Montreal Massacre, when 14 women were killed at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, on a Wednesday in November – while students are still in class (This year it will be held on November 25). The women killed on Dec. 6th, 1989, were targeted for being women in university and, particularly, women in science. Canadian campuses often mark the event, and especially recognize violence, threats, and other means used to try and prevent women from attending or succeeding at university… With Inspiring Women Among Us, we hope to continue to memorialize and recognize this tragedy and the impact of violence against women. However, we would also like to recognize the potential of remembrance as a catalyst for action, and explore ways in which we might honour this date by continuing the effort to ensure that women are welcome, inspired, and safe when pursing an education or job opportunity.”

A full list of events can be found at the Inspiring Women Among Us 2015 Facebook Page.