An inaugural Policy Forum to discuss the participation of women in science, engineering, trades and technology was held on May 3, 2012, in conjunction with the Conference of the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (CCWESTT) in Halifax. The focus of the forum was on the experiences of women engaged in the fields known collectively as SETT (science, engineering, trades and technology) and on the policies, programs and practices affecting their participation. Its goal was to inspire a partnership approach to increasing the participation of women in SETT, by moving forward together, from insight to action.