Gender Equality

Gender Equality graphic

Our societal impact focuses on gender equality as a fundamental human right, and a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Through various initiatives, Lakehead University aims to create an inclusive and diverse environment that fosters gender equality and allows students to strive to create a brighter future and contribute to a more equitable and just society.

Student Access Measures

5.3.1 Tracking access measures
Does your university as a body systematically measure/track women's application rate and acceptance or entry rate?
 
Lakehead University’s Strategic Plan, Academic Plan and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, use indicators to systematically measure and track the application, enrolment, retention and completion rates of underrepresented groups, including women.
 
Some of these indicators are also publicly reported through Common University Data Ontario and shared with faculties and departments on a regular and ad-hoc basis throughout the academic year to inform opportunities for continuous improvement and identify emerging leading practices. 
 
Lakehead University's plans listed above articulate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, which is in alignment with Lakehead's commitment to Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles to increase participation of under-represented student groups.  Through these indicators, Lakehead University is proactively building a campus that welcomes and reflects diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives.
5.3.2 Policy for women’s applications and entry
Does your university as a body have a policy (e.g. an Access and Participation plan) addressing women’s applications, acceptance/entry, and participation at the university?
 
Lakehead University encourages applications by women in subjects where they are underrepresented and is committed to advancing equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression through the inclusion of people of all genders, including women, in all aspects of our academic community. 
 
To advance gender equality and diversity, Lakehead University fosters an environment that empowers women and underrepresented persons through a range of initiatives and programs which encompass:
  1. Recruitment and Admission: targeted outreach to encourage women’s application, mentorship and guidance to prospective female students
  2. Scholarships and Financial Support: financial incentives for women enrolled in underrepresented programs such as STEM
  3. Campus Culture and Community: offering academic support including tutoring and mentorship to support women’s success, fostering a community that allows female students to connect with peers, faculty and professionals
  4. Research and Leadership Opportunities: providing experiential learning opportunities and research opportunities that encourage women’s participation, promote leadership development opportunities through workshops and seminars 
  5. Data Collection and Monitoring: regular collection and analysis of women’s enrolment, retention and graduation to assess and monitor progress
Lakehead University’s Human Rights Policy and Diversity Awareness Policy addresses the inclusion of women and underrepresented persons in all aspects of university life.  This policy outlines initiatives aimed at supporting women’s applications, acceptance/entry  and active participation within the academic community. By encouraging and supporting participation of the widest range of perspectives, Lakehead University will continuously seek to address the inequities and barriers that hinder people from learning and working to their full potential.
 
In addition, Lakehead University’s Employment Equity Policy for staff and faculty “demonstrates the commitment to achieving equal employment opportunity, Lakehead University undertakes to initiate and maintain an employment equity program for its women employees that will effectively eliminate barriers to their full and equal participation in employment and will facilitate the educational and personal development of women in order to increase their legitimate access to non-traditional and/or leadership roles”.
 
Lakehead University is committed to the Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles, demonstrating its active role as a champion of equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses.
5.3.3 Women’s access schemes
Does your university as a body provide women's access schemes (e.g. mentoring, scholarships, or other provisions)?
 
Lakehead University offers various access schemes to support women's participation in higher education including mentoring, scholarships and other provisions. 
 
Current Lakehead students have access to both peer and academic mentoring through a network of student volunteers and Lakehead staff who create an environment where students can continue to explore their potential through academic and social engagement.
 
Targeted support is also available to prospective students through outreach activities by student clubs and partnerships operating at Lakehead University. The Girls Club offered through Superior Science, and operated by undergraduate students at Lakehead University provides hands-on STEM activities and mentorship to girls.
 
Lakehead University provides over $11 million annually to all students in the form of scholarships, bursaries and awards. For female students, Lakehead University offers targeted scholarships available throughout the year that can be accessed here.
 
In addition, Lakehead University students can access support through the Student Health and Wellness Office or resource centres such as the Pride & Gender Equity Centre  which offers:
  • Peer Support
  • Babysitting Co-Op
  • Condoms, Dental Dams, Pads
  • Resource Library
  • Workshop and Discussion Groups     
  • Referrals

Additional resources: 

5.3.4 Women’s application in underrepresented subjects
Does your university as a body encourage applications by women in subjects where they are underrepresented?
 
Lakehead University’s current undergraduate and graduate enrolment includes 56% female students, with 20% enrolled in science, technology, engineering and math (2023 Fall). Lakehead University's Strategic and Academic Plans include commitments to increase the participation of underrepresented student groups, including females in specific programs, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
 
To advance gender equality and diversity, and encourage women’s applications in subjects where they are underrepresented, Lakehead University fosters an environment that empowers women and underrepresented persons through a range of initiatives and programs which encompass:
  1. Recruitment and Admission:  targeted outreach to encourage women’s application, mentorship and guidance to prospective female students
  2. Scholarships and Financial Support:  financial incentives for women enrolled in underrepresented programs such as STEM
  3. Campus Culture and Community:  offering academic support including tutoring and mentorship to support women’s success, fostering a community that allows female students to connect with peers, faculty and professionals
  4. Research and Leadership Opportunities:  providing experiential learning opportunities and research opportunities that encourage women’s participation, and promote leadership development opportunities through workshops and seminars 
  5. Data Collection and Monitoring:  regular collection and analysis of women’s enrolment, retention and graduation to assess and monitor progress
More information on these initiatives can be found in the Additional Resources section below. 

Additional Resources: 

Women's Progress Measures

5.6.1 Policy of non-discrimination against women
Does your university as a body have a policy of non-discrimination against women?
 
Lakehead University recognizes that gender-based violence is a form of discrimination that may include sexual, physical, psychological, or economic harm inflicted against persons because of their gender, gender identity, or gender expression which is included in the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy. Incidents of gender-based violence may also be resolved under the Lakehead University Human Rights Policy and Procedures. Lakehead has developed actionable goals to reduce discrimination at the university, further reinforced through the university's Employment Equity Policy.
5.6.2 Non-discrimination policies for transgender people
Does your university as a body have a policy of non-discrimination for transgender people?
 
Lakehead University has several policies and commitments that address equity, diversity and inclusion including discrimination of transgender persons including the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Policy which is committed to maintaining a healthy, safe environment for all members of our diverse community. Lakehead University promotes an atmosphere of healthy attitudes and behaviours towards sexuality, sex and gender roles. This also includes a Name and Gender Identifier Change Policy that recognizes the ability to self-define one's own name and gender identity as core aspects of self-determination, dignity and freedom. 
5.6.3 Maternity policy
Does your university as a body have a maternity and paternity policies that support women’s participation?
 
Maternity leaves are encompassed in Section 1.1of Lakehead University’s Workplace Leaves of Absences Policy.  Students can also request a leave of absence as either biological or adoptive parents, or while they are caring for a newborn or newly-adopted child of any age. There is no maximum number of maternal/parental leaves that students or staff can request. 
 
Lakehead University has also implemented a Disconnecting from Work Policy to prioritize the mental health of its employees while promoting a healthier balance between work and personal life thus supporting participation of both women and men in the workforce. 
5.6.4 Childcare facilities for students
Does your university as a body have accessible childcare facilities for students which allow recent mothers to attend university courses?
Lakehead University Thunder Bay campus is home to the Nanabijou Child Care Centre and provides childcare for children ranging from infancy to school age (up to age 72 months). Preference is given to Lakehead University students, staff, faculty and alumni.
 
Childcare costs are one of the many barriers that hinder students in post-secondary education. The Lakehead University Student Union has created a childcare grant called the Childcare Bursary which is used to support students, recent mothers and caregivers needing assistance with childcare expenses to attend university courses.

 

5.6.5 Childcare facilities for staff and faculty
Does your university as a body have childcare facilities for staff and faculty?
 
The Nanabijou Child Care Centre is located on the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus and provides childcare for children ranging from infancy to school age. This service is available to staff and faculty working at Lakehead University. Preference is given to Lakehead University students, staff, faculty and alumni.
5.6.6 Women’s mentoring schemes
Does your university have women’s mentoring schemes, in which at least 10% of female students participate?
 
Lakehead University has been acknowledged as an “equity powerhouse” for its dedication to serving diverse learners including supporting women’s participation through mentoring schemes and outreach programs. Such initiatives include:
Numerous student societies and clubs at Lakehead University include mentorship schemes and create inclusive spaces that unite learners from diverse backgrounds, aiming to emphasize the significance of diverse representation in academic excellence and leadership within a safe and welcoming environment.

Additional Resources:

5.6.7 Track women’s graduation rate
Does your university as a body have measurement/tracking of women’s likelihood of graduating compared to men’s, and schemes in place to close any gap?
 
In 2023, 58% of Lakehead University credentials awarded were to females in undergraduate and graduate programs.
 
As part of Lakehead University’s strategic enrolment management planning aimed at reducing gender disparities and barriers to entry, Lakehead measures, tracks and monitors completion rates for several cohort groups including women, Indigenous, first-generation, transfer students, those receiving financial aid, and other underrepresented groups.    
 
Lakehead University’s Strategic Plan articulates this commitment through specific metrics including:
Lakehead University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan further outlines the university's commitment to collecting, sharing and acting on this information to inform data-driven decision-making supporting student success of various underrepresented groups including women.
 
Lakehead University offers various supports and schemes to support student success including free access to the Academic Support Zone available to all students providing tutoring and writing support, academic advising, study plan tools, tools to manage test anxiety and other resources to support women's and men's graduation rates. 
5.6.8 Policies protecting those reporting discriminations
Does your university as a body have a policy that protects those reporting discrimination from educational or employment disadvantage?
 
Lakehead University has instituted policies designed to safeguard the interests of its staff, faculty and students who report instances of discrimination.  These policies are structured to ensure that those reporting discrimination are not subjected to any form of educational or employment disadvantage.  These policies include: 
  • The Human Rights Policy, guarantees protection against any retaliatory actions for individuals who report discrimination. 
  • The Employee Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for maintaining the code’s standards and outlines the procedures for investigating allegations.  
Any concerns regarding adherence to these policies can be addressed to Lakehead University’s Office of Human Rights and Equity.  This dedicated office is committed to preventing and responding to discrimination and serves as a platform for staff, faculty, and students to raise concerns if their rights have been violated.
5.6.9 Paternity policy

Does your university as a body have a paternity policy that support women's participation by ensuring that non-gestational parents can participate in childcare duties?

Paternity leaves are encompassed in Section 1.2 of Lakehead University’s Workplace Leaves of Absences Policy.  Students can also request a leave of absence as either biological or adoptive parents, or while they are caring for a newborn or newly-adopted child of any age. There is no maximum number of parental leaves that students or staff can request. 

Lakehead University recognizes the importance of equitable childcare responsibilities and supports the involvement of both parents in childcare duties.  The university’s policies are designed to facilitate active participation from all parents in caregiving roles.  The approach underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where both parents can balance professional responsibilities with family life.

Lakehead University has also implemented a Disconnecting from Work Policy to prioritize the mental health of its employees while promoting a healthier balance between work and personal life.  This policy helps support active participation in the workforce, ensuring that all employees can fully engage in their family responsibilities without compromising their professional roles.