A lack of washrooms, safety and support: The reality for women in field research
Gender equality10.03.2025
For many women in scientific research, fieldwork isn’t just a job requirement; it’s an opportunity to advance knowledge and shape the future of science.
But as a recent report reveals, it’s also a space where systemic barriers persist, limiting access, stalling careers, and reinforcing gender inequality.
“It was both unsurprising and shocking,” said Sadichchha Pokharel, a research officer with the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), the team behind the report. “What really stood out was just how many women had such similar experiences. We kept hearing the same stories over and over again.”
Among those stories were accounts of health and safety challenges, regular gender discrimination, and barriers when it came to pregnancy and childcare.
“When women are repeatedly denied opportunities – whether it’s being left behind on field expeditions or having to endure unsafe conditions – it pushes them out of the field altogether,” added Pokharel. “That’s how you end up losing out on a diverse workforce.”
What are the barriers?
As the union representing over 20,000 scientists and researchers in the federal public service, PIPSC wanted to get a clearer picture of what women in fieldwork actually face in hopes of helping improve their lived reality, explained Pokharel.
And while fieldwork can mean anything from diving expeditions to studying glaciers or examining forests, women reported the same frustrations across the board.
One of the biggest challenges? A lack of washrooms.
Many women said their only options while on the job were public urination, using a bucket, or avoiding drinking water all day. And when it comes to menstruation, the problem only gets worse. Without proper sanitation or disposal options, some women even reported missing work while on their period.
Safety and privacy were also major concerns.
Many respondents described having to share rooms with male coworkers on overnight trips, dealing with sexual harassment, or feeling uneasy in environments where alcohol was a big part of the culture.
“These are not one-off unfortunate scenarios or minor inconveniences; these are systemic barriers,” said Pokharel. “They can truly derail the careers of these scientists.”
Gender discrimination was another common theme.
Many women felt they had to work twice as hard to prove themselves, yet were still overlooked or stuck with stereotypical “women’s work” like cleaning instead of more physical tasks. Misogynistic language was also an issue, with names like “little girl” and “work wife” being thrown around in the field.
Many women also said they were automatically assumed to be less available or committed when they had children – something their male colleagues with kids rarely had to deal with.
What’s the solution?
While the report sheds light on deeply ingrained problems, it also offers solutions, many of which seem simple but require institutional commitment.
One of the most effective changes? Gender-balanced research teams.
“So often there’s one woman on a team,” said Pokharel. “Simply having more women on the job can help address a lot of these issues because then they aren’t alone.”
Leadership also plays a crucial role. When managers actively support and advocate for women in field science, it helps break down barriers and can foster a culture of open communication.
PIPSC is pushing for that change, said Pokharel.
The group is calling for immediate action, including clear fieldwork safety policies, better infrastructure at research sites, and stronger support systems for women and gender minorities. They also stress the importance of tracking progress to ensure lasting change.
“Fieldwork is work, and at the end of the day this is a workplace issue,” added Pokharel. “It’s time we seriously take that into consideration.”
