Workplace Experiences of Muslim Women in STEM in Canada: An Intersectional Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

This study explores the workplace experiences of Muslim women in two STEM sectors in Canada: computer sciences and engineering sciences. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with 17 Muslim women and drawing on theories of inequality regimes and intersectionality, this paper investigates the barriers that Muslim women face to fit into the organizational cultures within the computer and engineering fields due to their intersectional identities and how they respond to perceived barriers. Results revealed that most participants felt excluded from both formal and informal interactions. Their technical abilities were often questioned by non-Muslim, white male colleagues, leading to feelings of alienation and difficulty establishing trust and deeper connections. The visibility of their religious identity, particularly through the wearing of headscarves, intensified these challenges due to intersectional stereotypes. Additionally, balancing work and home responsibilities emerged as a significant barrier, as extended work hours and traditional religious gender roles, which prioritize childcare and household duties, hindered career progression. In response, participants employed strategies of confrontation and negotiation to navigate these workplace barriers. This research contributes to the gender and organizational literature by highlighting the specific challenges Muslim women face in STEM fields in Canada and underscores the need for inclusive policies that address these intersectional obstacles.