The independent expert panel behind the federal government’s Pathway to Diversity in STEM review has launched its investigation into what is needed to create a more diverse and equitable sector.
The review was launched after the Jobs and Skills Summit last year, with industry and science minister Ed Husic saying its goal was to, “create equal opportunities for women and historically under-represented groups to pursue education and careers in STEM, supporting them to unlock their full potential, and bolstering Australia’s STEM skills pipeline”.
The panel is chaired by Cicada Innovations CEO Sally-Ann Williams.
Williams said, “This week as hundreds of International Women’s Day events kick off around the nation I'm going to ask you to show up a little differently and participate in the Pathway to Diversity in STEM review. We want to hear from underrepresented people about their journeys in STEM. What was made it easier? What made it hard? Why did you start studying or working in STEM? What made you stop?”
Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith said the review is an important step to improving diversity.
Last year, Australia’s Labour Force Survey revealed that after a decade of focused investment on women in STEM initiatives, the number of women in science, technology, engineering and maths jobs rose just three per cent, from 11 per cent in 2009 to 15 per cent in 2021.
When it comes to the number of women studying STEM, the office of the Women in STEM Ambassador said that between 2018 and 2020, the number of women enrolled in university STEM courses rose 12 per cent, compared to a five per cent increase for men.
Data from the 2022 STEM Equity Monitor revealed that from 2018-21, there was a 34 per cent increase in the number of women in STEM-qualified occupations, compared to a 6 per cent increase amongst men. Data for other gender identities were not available.
Women in STEM Ambassador.
At the time, Harvey-Smith told The Age, “The vast majority of people are trying to tackle a very small sliver of the issue – which is the pipeline of young people. That does not address the core issue: lack of respect for women, and discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
“They are over-reliant on supporting individuals to navigate a broken system, rather than fixing the problem. Until organisations actually tackle those fundamental issues within their workplaces, it will not be possible for them to recruit these highly qualified women that exist already.”
Husic said, “We want to call up skills from all corners of our community and put them to work growing our economy. This review is part of that effort [and] will provide us with the evidence, insight and recommendations to make sure the policies and programs we deliver as government are having maximum impact.”
Following the Summit last year, Harvey-Smith said, “More than 420,000 women in Australia have vocational or university STEM qualifications, but five years after graduating, nine out of 10 of these STEM-qualified women do not work in STEM.
“Harmful workplace culture, poor access to affordable childcare, the gender pay gap, and a lack of flexible work arrangements prevent women’s full participation in our workforce.”
“Preventing workplace sexual harassment, providing greater access to parental leave for men, and requiring employers to commit to gender equity are evidence-based policy measures I have been advocating for.”
Williams said, “We know that solving many of the wicked challenges we face in the world will require STEM skills. And the best solutions will come from diverse teams working together. So how can we do better? How can we do more? How do we make the structural changes we need to create an environment for everyone to thrive?
“It’s a big ask and requires a collective solution, but it’s one that needs your voice. Please share the link. Submit your stories. Let us hear your voices.”
Submissions are encouraged by 11 April, with further opportunities to have your say down the track.
The independent panel will also consider an evaluation of the government’s women in STEM programs and research led by the Women in STEM Ambassador.
The panel will publish its draft recommendations in July.
Listen to an earlier Food & Drink Business podcast episode with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.
