A 10-year plan for women in STEM

The Australian Academy of Science is consulting to develop a 10-year plan to boost women in STEM, an initiative from the 2018–19 Budget.

The plan in is one of a suite of new measures and $4.5 million in new funding to encourage more women to pursue STEM education and careers, building on previous investments made through the National Innovation and Science Agenda of $13 million.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, said; “Getting more girls and women studying and working in STEM is a priority for the Government. We made an investment in the Budget and this consultation is an important step,” Minister Andrews said.

“As the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology and a mechanical engineer – one of the first two female graduates from the Queensland University of Technology – I am passionate about this issue.

“Increasing participation in STEM by girls and women isn’t just about equity and individual opportunity: it is about the strength of Australia’s research and our scientific and business capability.

Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer, said there are many talented women already working or studying in STEM careers and there are great opportunities to boost women in STEM.

“STEM skills are critical to future jobs and to Australia’s ongoing prosperity. We can’t compete with countries around the world with one hand tied behind our backs – we need all Australians to have the same opportunities to study and work in STEM related careers.

“We are developing this plan and funding new initiatives to address the underrepresentation of girls and women in STEM in schools, universities and the workplace,” Minister O’Dwyer said.

Dates and venues for consultation workshops can be found here. The discussion paper can be found here.