An individual's career choice is determined by a number of factors, including early socialization, skills and aptitudes, media depiction of specific work environments and industries, role models and personal experiences in the workforce. Despite an increase in the number of women in the labour force, women continue to work in areas where they have traditionally been employed. In 2001, 70 per cent of all women in the work force were found in teaching, nursing and related health occupations, clerical or other administrative positions, or sales and service occupations – traditionally female-dominated fields of work.¹

The impact of socialization continues to slow women's entry into mathematics, science and technology professions, as well as the skilled trades. In addition, it appears that many young women and men are discouraged from pursuing employment in the skilled trades as parents and teachers often promote professions or occupations that require university qualifications.

Even the most hospitable workplace cultures may not be immediately able to attract large numbers of female workers because the pool of available, qualified women is still relatively small. Supply and demand strategies must be implemented in tandem to increase the number of female workers available to employers and to encourage women to remain in these industries.

Workplaces that Work for Women