Although women have made significant progress within the workplace during the last several years, they may still face unique challenges as a result of gender. An upcoming event at the University of Saskatchewan hopes to address these challenges, specifically within the biotechnology industry.

On Mar. 16, Louis’ Loft will host Moving Beyond the Boundaries: Connecting and Advancing Women in Biotechnology, an event dedicated to the promotion of women in Canada’s biotechnology sector. The event has been organized by Ag-West Bio Inc., an organization that works with innovators and investors to help bring research to the bioscience industry. The afternoon will feature a presentation from Ag-West partner BioTalent Canada, a human resources firm that seeks to connect biotech graduates with prospective employers.

BioTalent president and CEO Rob Henderson will be giving a talk regarding the recent findings of a labour market report compiled by the company. Although the research covers a variety of sectors, there will be a particular focus on women and gender diversity within the workplace.

“It’s to show some of the research we’ve done recently, not only about women but about young grads, and talk to them a little about how BioTalent Canada can help them fast track their career and get a job quicker in the biotech industry — give them a lay of the land in terms of what they’re going to be facing when they’re looking for a job,” Henderson said.

Following Henderson’s presentation, there will be a question and answer session, along with refreshments.

BioTalent Canada boasts a wide variety of services for the biotech industry, including a bilingual job board, online courses and job profiles. The company hopes to make a difference in the careers of young scientists, like Shivani Tauh, a second-year cell biology and anatomy student.

“A large part of my interest in pursuing science was influenced by my mother, who attained her PhD in organic chemistry and demonstrated to me implicitly that my gender would never be something that held me back,” Tauh said in an email to the Sheaf. “I have been very lucky in that I have had the support of nearly everyone around me in my decision to pursue science.”

Unfortunately, it is these same students who Henderson says are facing some tough challenges in the current labour market.

“One of the biggest issues that we got is we’re a very educated vertical. Students who are graduating tend to have very advanced degrees,” Henderson said. “The issue is that while universities are doing a really great job of teaching the science, they’re often not teaching the business of science, and there are often many skills that students lack in terms of being productive in their first job in the bio economy.”

According to Henderson, women in particular face unique obstacles when it comes to being employed within the biotechnology industry.

“Sometimes they have a tough time finding a mentor, or an example to follow — either a woman who’s been around in the career position for quite a while or has advanced through the ranks to a [senior] position,” Henderson said.

He also added that there is often an intersection between prime career development years and the time when some women may be interested in starting families, an issue that he suggests has its own set of challenges.

These are the kind of issues that Tauh may potentially face when she enters the workplace. Although she says she has not experienced direct sexism, it seems as though people still have some doubts about her academic capabilities based solely on her gender.

“These kinds of situations are frustrating because they do not warrant direct confrontation, as these people will not admit their inherent prejudice, but the idea of somebody thinking that I am subpar in my abilities simply because I am female is troubling,” Tauh said.

Luckily for Tauh, companies like BioTalent appear to be working towards creating positive change for women within the workplace.

According to Henderson, this change is positive for both employees and employers.

“Women enhance the innovation and dynamism of any workplace and we have the statistics to back that up. It’s not simply a nice thing to do; it’s a competitive thing to do.”

—

Image: Jeremy Britz / Graphics Editor