What We Do

About CCWESTT

Established in 1992, the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (CCWESTT) is a voluntary, non-profit national coalition of individual members and groups from across the country who advocate for a diverse and inclusive Canadian Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (SETT) workforce. We collectively support over 500,000 people in our network.

CCWESTT strives for inclusion, compassion, respect, cooperation, trust and integrity in our partnerships and collaborations. The long history of the Coalition, shared core values, collaborative efforts and significant regional and national activities of member groups have provided a firm base from which CCWESTT has built a national voice for women and gender diverse people in SETT to change, build, and lead policy and practice for a diverse workforce.

Our Mission

CCWESTT is a national coalition of organizations and individuals who champion a gender-equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian SETT sector. We build alliances and partnerships, act as a resource hub, and advocate with a strong, unified voice.

Our Vision

A Canadian society with gender equity, diversity and inclusion at every level of training and career in SETT.

Our Commitment to EDI

Thriving with dignity in a Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (SETT) culture that is equitable, just, accessible, and promotes a sense of belonging is a right for all. CCWESTT is committed to eliminating gendered systemic issues, dismantling systems of oppression, and building inclusive, safe, and accessible environments. CCWESTT will continue to champion a diverse SETT workforce by listening to and amplifying underrepresented voices in all their intersectionality, then enhancing understanding and challenging inequities. CCWESTT recognizes the importance and value of equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and decolonization within our organization and beyond.

Land Acknowledgement

CCWESTT acknowledges that our greater science, engineering, trades and technology (or SETT) community is situated on the ceded and unceded traditional territories of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples from coast to coast to coast in what is known as ‘Canada’. CCWESTT fervently believes SETT is enriched through collective relations and knowledge sharing and is committed to helping enhance and build these relations. Full land acknowledgement here.

“It’s a place to see representation, see yourself, hear that you’re not alone, get some empathy once in a while, and some inspiration, but also ideas to create change. As someone who holds the portfolio for community culture and change, we really want to see the profession shift in attitudes, see the profession be more inclusive, and build those places of belonging.”

Jessica VandenbergheAssistant Dean
Engineering Community and Culture University of Alberta

“One of my very favourite memories is of the camaraderie. The fact that there were women that were there, there were participants that were there that had been gathering for many, many years. There were individuals who were senior in their careers. There were individuals that were just starting out their careers. And to be able to have that exchange of knowledge, of learning, of experiences—through the years—I feel is so important.”

Jeanette SouthwoodVice President
Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Engineers Canada

“SETT needs women. And that’s what excites me! A future where we can actually involve everybody who wants to be part of this field. And who knows what we’re going to have in the future? Maybe, eventually, we will have those flying cars that we keep dreaming about.”

Shohini GhoseProfessor of Physics
Wilfred Laurier University NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering

“And I think some of my most favourite moments are the conferences because there’s so much energy. And whether it is a workshop that I’ve attended, or listened to a panel, or been part of the forum where we’ve talked about policy, I just get so excited, so revved up, that I can hardly wait to go back home and share what I’ve learnt and be passionate about where we are going in the future.”

Edna DachProject Manager
Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology

“If you’re speaking to anybody here at the conference, you hear of people being passionate and motivated to change what inclusion looks like in the SETT fields, for generations to come. And I think what really excites me is that all of these women have these huge smiles on their face during this conference because we know that the work that we’re doing today, here at this conference, doesn’t just stay here. It is for the future, and it is for future generations to be able to not have to go through some of the barriers, the challenges that we’ve had to go through. And that’s what really excites me.”

Helen YipOutreach Coordinator
Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology

Would you like to be involved?

Find out how you can support CCWESTT!