A new strategy and other incentives to encourage Australian women to join the science and technology industries have been announced by the Ministers for Women, Jobs and Innovation, Kelly O’Dwyer and Senator Michaelia Cash.
The $4.5 million package builds on existing work to address gender equity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas.
The Ministers said the new initiatives would include a Women in Science Strategy, a Decadal Plan for Women in Science, a Girls in STEM Toolkit and the appointment of a Women in STEM Ambassador.
They said the Strategy would help coordinate efforts to increase women’s participation in science and technology, and the Decadal Plan would encourage more women to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields.
They said the new STEM Toolkit would be aimed at school-age girls and the new Ambassador would advocate for gender equity in STEM, raise awareness of issues, prosecute the case for change, build visibility and promote women in STEM.
The Ministers also announced the successful recipients of the second round of the Government’s Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) grants with 22 organisations across Australia receiving more than $4 million in funding.
They said the winning projects targetted women and girls of all ages and backgrounds and were designed to foster lifelong interest in STEM, encourage greater participation in STEM careers and help female STEM professionals build entrepreneurial skills and networks.
Senator Cash said it was necessary to draw on the entire skill set of the community and make the best use of the knowledge and skills of women researchers, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
