Though faculty gender parity has improved in Canadian universities, persistent structural inequities continue to hinder women’s academic careers—especially in STEM fields and for racialized faculty—posits Eya Benhassine (Université de Montréal). Benhassine draws on Statistics Canada data and her doctoral research to highlight how organizational cultures, academic labour divisions, and a “winner takes all” structure of research funding disadvantage female faculty members. She argues that robust EDI policies are essential to correcting these systemic barriers. “Promoting a fair academic environment is not a matter of preferential treatment, but of a rigorous approach to correcting the structural biases that still hinder the full recognition of women’s contributions to science and higher education,” concludes Benhassine.
