The challenges women face in research
An overview of the Feminist Lunch Series February panel discussion on community-led research, training and solutions.
On February 27, the Department of Historical Studies hosted a panel discussion through its Feminist Lunch Series online via Zoom. The discussion, titled “Critical Approaches to Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Community-Led Research, Training and Solutions,” took place at noon and lasted until 1:30 p.m.
The discussion was led by Professor Zeinab Farokhi and Women and Gender Studies Practicum students Sabeen El Mougabatt, Elizabeth Finkinshtein and Edith Banda, who co-organized and moderated the event. The panel spoke about the barriers women face in research, particularly those from marginalized groups. The discussion also featured the Director of the Peel Institute of Research and Training at Family Services of Peel, Monica Riutort, and public health and epidemiology researcher Cilia Mejia-Lancheros.
Riutort developed the first manual on how to work with abused immigrant women in Canada and served as the executive director of the International Society for Equity in Health, director of International Programs at the Centre for Research in Women Health and the WHO (World Health Organization) Collaborative Centre on Women’s Health and International Delegate of the Canadian Red Cross. Mejia-Lancheros designs and implements health and social solutions with community partners while using advanced research and collaborative co-design approaches. She also leads a research project based in the Peel region on co-building a communicated-focused mental well-being program, particularly for newcomer families.
Underrepresentation of women in research
Mejia-Lancheros began the discussion by sharing statistics from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) from 2021 that reveal only 33.7 per cent of researchers in the globe are women, bringing attention to women’s underrepresentation in research. She points out that the data on women in Research within Canada is insufficient, solidifying gender disparities in the field.
Although she revealed that there has been progress in representing women in research since 2017, she noted that racialized women, Indigenous communities, and those living with disabilities still do not make up a good representation of the Canadian Excellence Research Chair program. However, Mejia-Lancheros noted the initiative still opens doors for those who wish to be researchers.
Sharing her story, Mejia-Lancheros reflected on barriers as an immigrant researcher. “Living in different parts of the world gives one a different perspective. It makes you realize the inequalities, socioeconomic factors, and health disparities in a society,” she explained. Mejia-Lancheros recounted her experience with discrimination due to having an accent and coming from a unique background. Students in the discussion also shared similar personal experiences and motivations.
“People have the idea that if you’re from any of the under-developing countries, you’re unqualified, and because you have an accent, your accent is wrong,” Mejia-Lanche stated. She also presented her current project, a culturally sensitive family-oriented program for the mental well-being of immigrant and refugee families in Peel. “We are co-building this initiative and hopefully implementing it very soon,” she said, emphasizing barriers immigrants face in accessing support services.
Riutort led the next discussion, starting with the question, “Why on earth did you decide to create a feminist forum?”
Professor Faroukhi responded by saying the forum is important to analyze and evaluate existing efforts on diversity. Diversity is “not just about hiring racialized people,” Faroukhi explained. She emphasized the importance of measuring the impact of diversity policies and ensuring meaningful mentorship and support for those from different backgrounds.
Following this response, Riutort described the need for ongoing advocacy. “People are not talking about feminism enough,” Riutort stated. “It has reshaped political, social, and economic structures, yet we are far from true equality.”
She encouraged students to embrace their identities by sharing their own experiences. “When I came to Canada, I kept my accent as a statement, defining who I am.” Riutort, who fled her home country due to her activism, continues to be an advocate in Canada, contributing to reproductive health research and co-directing the Bay Centre—Canada’s biggest abortion clinic.
Ruitort left students with a final thought: “While research relies on data to prove a point, it is passion that drives change and evolution in society.” She emphasized that while research is essential, true change comes when knowledge is paired with passion and conviction. Summarizing this idea, she stated, “Feminism is where your brain meets your heart.” Ruitort concluded her talk by discussing projects she is working on to empower Latin American immigrant women.
