As part of PIPSC's ongoing commitment to advancing public sector science, the union has released a comprehensive new report examining gender equity challenges in scientific fieldwork. Gender Equity in Fieldwork: A Guide for Employees and Managers provides vital guidance for employees and managers working to create more inclusive research environments.
"Every day, thousands of brilliant women scientists across Canada's public service are advancing critical research that shapes our nation's future," notes PIPSC President Sean O'Reilly. "Yet they continue to face systemic barriers that limit their full participation in scientific fieldwork."
The report draws on the experiences of women and non-binary federal researchers to document challenges ranging from inadequate infrastructure to serious safety concerns. It provides practical solutions and best practices to address these long-standing issues.
This guide is for everyone in public sector science. It serves both researchers facing barriers in their work and those in positions to implement positive change. We particularly encourage managers and senior leadership to engage with these findings and recommendations.
The report recognizes that women scientists are not a monolithic group. Our analysis includes the experiences of racialized women, Indigenous women, non-binary people, transgender women, women with disabilities, LGBTQI2S+ people, and women experiencing any other system or form of oppression. When we say women, we mean all women.
Each section of the report examines specific challenges in fieldwork settings and provides concrete tools for creating more equitable and safe research environments. The recommendations are practical, implementable, and designed to create lasting change.