What does it take to enter the occupational fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? That can be a daunting challenge for female immigrants, even if they’re qualified or were working in the field in their home country.

According to Statistics Canada, 34% of Canadians with a STEM degree are women, and they make up only 23% of Canadians working in science and technology.

But how can we change this?

Last year Zuher Almusre had the absolute pleasure of connecting with three women representing women in science - the two women behind the creation of a Manitoba chapter of Immigrant and International Women in Science and another was a paleontologist working at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Immigrant and International Women in Science Network is a non-profit organization driven to cultivate a strong network that helps immigrant and international women navigate the difficult terrain of academia and employment. In essence, it’s a safe haven for those who need to ask questions and get advice. The IWS is based in ten cities throughout Canada. In Manitoba, Leon and her fellow City Leader Sandra Gonzalez Diaz work with immigrant Manitoban women to offer various forms of support.

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Dr. Femke Holwerda is a Paleontologist at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta.

Dr. Holwerda got her master’s in bio-geology at university back home as a stepping stone into the science world and worked in research for a couple of years after that. Before moving to Canada, she was accepted to get her Ph.D. in Germany, specializing in long-necked dinosaurs. Now, Dr. Holwerda studies all different types of fossils, such as bones, footprints, imprints from feathers and skin, and soft tissue.