Last year the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), created an action plan to promote and inspire more women to join their ranks. They recommended 5 areas to improve:

Role Models: As an industry, we need to promote more women role models in our ranks. By highlighting high-profile women, it may inspire the younger generation to look towards manufacturing as an exciting (and lucrative) career choice.
Exposure: Our industry needs to promote and expose young women to careers within manufacturing, not just to the manufacturing side of the business. This will give them a better perception of the industry at a whole.
STEM: As a society we need to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs for girls and teach them skilled trades. This knowledge will empower them in whatever career path they choose.
Inclusivity: Manufacturing workplaces need to listen to all employees to ensure workplaces are more gender inclusive.
Work-life Balance: Businesses need to find ways to improve work-life balance for all employees, paying special attention to both men and women with with family obligations.

In the first year of this action plan, we’ve taken strides to reach our goal. The CME’s national Women in Manufacturing Working Group is spearheading initiatives to engage, inspire, attract, onboard, empower, support, and accelerate women entering the manufacturing workforce.

The CME’s goal is to double the manufacturing output by 2030 and more women will be needed to fill crucial roles. We encourage all manufacturing businesses to do their part in educating, attracting, and supporting women entering our industry. We can grow together and make the world a more inclusive place.