Event Testimonials
This event was truly motivational! Women uplifting women, providing positive and inclusive environment to be ourselves! We need more of such events to remember that growth is not alone, its together, through network! Science is vast! This event opened up ideas for collaborations and partnerships! Arifa! | A unique, inclusive, fulfilling, fitting and dedicated tribute to IWD . Not to be missed. A big thank you to the organizers. The event venue was superb. The different table top discussions were phenomenal | I came to support, I came to listen, I came to learn. Well done on all three accounts. Gordon Kozak I had a great time at the 2025 CIFST Women's event and learned so much from other leading industry ladies. |
I had the incredible opportunity to be a keynote speaker at the International Women’s Day event organized by CIFST, and I must say, it was a truly inspiring experience. This was my first time attending the event, and I was deeply impressed by the organization, the venue, and the overall atmosphere. The event was meticulously planned, creating a welcoming and engaging space for thought-challenging discussions. The panel discussions were particularly insightful, bringing together brilliant minds to share their experiences, challenges, and achievements. It was refreshing to be surrounded by such a diverse and accomplished group of professionals who are dedicated to advancing equity and excellence in their respective fields. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the event and look forward to future opportunities to engage with CIFST and its incredible community. Thank you to the organizers for putting together such a meaningful and impactful event! Dr. Habiba Bougherara
CIFST's International Women's Day Emplowerment Exchange was held on Friday, March 7, 2024 at The Maple Leaf ThinkFOOD! centre.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction.
International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues that still impact women's advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women's equality. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.
- Habiba A. Bougherara, PhD, PEng - Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
- Lesley Campbell, PhD - Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
Drs. Bougherara and Campbell talked about their extraordinary new growing system which they developed to revolutionize food production.
Using raspberries and blackberries as proof of concept, Bougherara and Campbell's technology offers a year-round, sustainable alternative to traditional farming methods. It does so by growing raspberries in a way that eliminates the need for pesticides and soil, reduces land and labour requirements, and enables year-round production in any climate, thereby addressing key challenges in modern agriculture while minimizing environmental impacts. "This new technology has the potential to transform the agricultural industry on a local, national and international scale,” said Bougherara, who teaches in TMU’s Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS). “It will create new types of farms that produce local fruit out-of-season, while preserving natural resources, and providing equal access to affordable and nutritious food.”
The vertical, multi-layered design maximizes space efficiency (growing upward instead of outward) which has groundbreaking results. "Our research shows that this technology yields a remarkable 350 per cent increase in food production compared to conventional farming methods,” said Campbell, who teaches in TMU’s Faculty of Science (FOS).
“Plus, the versatility of this technology extends beyond berries,” she continued. “It can be adapted to grow a wide array of fruits and vegetables within greenhouses and vertical farms, offering boundless opportunities for sustainable food production in Canada.”
Table Top Discussions
Event attendees participated in a self-directed discussions on a variety of IWD topics including:
- GENDER BIAS - How do you navigate?
- MENTORSHIP MATTERS - What makes a great mentor? How do you find one?
- ROLE MODELS - Which female public figure inspires you the most and why?
- ALLYSHIP - What can men and women do to support gender equality?
- FUTURE HOPES - What is one change you hope to see for women in the next decade?
- BREAKING BARRIERS - How can we support more women in leadership?
- WORK-LIFE BALANCE - How can workplaces better support women juggling careers and personal life?
- CONFIDENCE AND CAREERS - What helps women build confidence in work and life?
Panelists
- Cheryl Appleton - President, Stragentium / Founder, Canadian Women in Food
- Sandra Clarke, PhD - Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Carol Culhane, PHEc, CFS, MBA - President, International Food Focus Ltd.
- Silvi Siddhu, Global Director, Nutraceuticals - Univar Solutions
- Flora Wang, PhD - Director, Nutrition & Scientific Affairs, Canadian Sugar Institute
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