Data from the 2022 STEM Equity Monitor has revealed the need for renewed efforts on addressing systematic barriers that prevent greater diversity in Australia’s science and technology sectors.
It was found that women working in STEM-qualified jobs grew to 15% in 2021. Women enrolling in university STEM courses also increased by 24% between 2015 and 2020.
However, the new data also found that only 23% of senior management and 8% of CEOs in STEM-qualified industries are women. Aside from this, women still earn 18% less than men across all STEM industries.
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Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said there is still much work to do to achieve equal opportunity for women to learn, work and engage in STEM, as well as create more pathways for First Nations people, migrants, mature workers and those living with disability.
“We know that women remain chronically underrepresented when it comes to STEM and for First Nations people participation is much lower,” Minister Husic said.
“That is why the Government has announced a review to determine how programs can be reformed to support greater diversity.”
Minister Husic states that the data underlined the importance of why renewed efforts are needed to break down structural barriers to meet the growing demand for workers in the tech and science sectors.
“Improving diversity in our STEM and technology sectors is not only the right thing to do but widening the pipeline of talent will also bring incredible benefits for our national wellbeing,” he said.
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador, reiterated the need for more to be done to improve equity in STEM.
“The latest STEM Equity Monitor reveals the need for greater action by industry, the community and governments to address the persistent barriers to participation in STEM education and careers,” Professor Harvey-Smith said.
“This is a collective obligation, and we need to be strategic in our actions to advance equity. This means investing in the proper tools and infrastructure required to drive cultural and structural change and to make organisations accountable.”
The review announced following the Jobs and Skills Summit is examining the delivery and impact of existing programs under the Government’s Women in STEM program suite, as well as cultural and structural barriers that limit participation and retention of women and other under-represented groups in STEM.