Science Minister Ed Husic has ordered a review of federally funded programs designed to encourage women into science and technologies after $100 million over the past decade failed to shift the dial.

Improving diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector has been a government priority for years, with a long list of gripes from those working in the sector including widespread job insecurity, sexism, low workplace morale, fatigue, a gaping gender pay gap, dissatisfaction with remuneration rates, low levels of seniority and cost-cutting.