Women and girls will be championed for futures in science

A lack of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be put under the microscope in a decade-long plan set to champion young girls and women for equality in the workforce.

A LACK of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be put under the microscope in a decade-long plan set to champion young girls and women for equality in the workforce.

By 2030, the STEM graduates, who are only about 10 years old in primary school currently, should enter a fairer workforce, free of harassment and discrimination that promote equity and value diversity.

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The plan was announced in the 2018-19 Federal Budget, called Women in STEM Decadal Plan and was launched yesterday in parliament – it outlines six opportunities to strengthen gender equity in STEM over the next 10 years.

Girls graduating from STEM subjects or degrees in 2030 should enter a fairer workforce.

It was a joint project with the Australian Academy of Science partnering up with the Academy of Technology and Engineering, and is the first nationally co-ordinated effort to bring together government, academia, industry, the education sector and the community for a shared vision.

Australian Academy of Science CEO Anna-Maria Arabia told The Courier-Mail she feels “very optimistic” about the plan and the future for girls and women in the industry.

“We know that we urgently need to do this for economic reasons, and for moral reasons,” she said.

“This is the first time we are coming together to lay out a vision and recommendations of the shared vision.”

The 10-year plan is set to encourage more female workers in STEM careers.

The six recommendations made yesterday in parliament included stronger leadership in STEM, establishing a national evaluation framework, creating a better workplace culture, visibility of seeing women in STEM careers, strengthening education to support girls and women to study STEM, and industry action.

“The perfect result (by 2030) is that leaders in our country would have come together and champion women in STEM, and that we would know absolutely what works,” Ms Arabia said.

It comes during an important time for the future of STEM, as the Minister for Industry, science and Technology Karen Andrews announced on Saturday the Morrison Government is investing $3.4 million to improve STEM equity in Australia and boost the participation of girls and women.

She said having a workforce with STEM skills is a key component of the Government’s plan for a stronger economy and more jobs.

The Morrison Government is investing $3.4 million to improve STEM equity in Australia.

“In order to have the widest talent pool possible we need to ensure all Australians are supported to participate in STEM activities and careers,” she said.

“We know that STEM is the engine of technology, innovation and wealth – and gender-diverse teams are better problem solvers.”

Professor of Chemistry at UQ Mary Garson was Queensland’s first female professor of chemistry, and is a champion for women in science, welcomes the government-funded plan.

“Initiatives that encourage more women to participate and to share the passion of a scientific career are very welcome,” she said.

Originally published as Women and girls will be championed for futures in science