The Australian Government has demonstrated a commitment to a vision for ‘An Australian society that provides equal opportunity for people of all genders to learn, work and engage in STEM’ (Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, 2021). The Australian Government is providing opportunities to achieve this vision of gender equality in STEM by supporting women in STEM careers through education, and making women visible in STEM (Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, 2021). The role of women in driving gender equality in STEM careers in their local communities involves challenging the norm by providing opportunities, having a voice, striving to empower other women, and leading by example.

Since 2015, the proportion of women enrolled in university STEM fields of education has risen from 34% to 36% (Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, 2021). 28% of women are working across STEM-qualified industries in Australia, which is an increase of 4% and there has been a continual increase of women in key leadership roles from 18% to 23% (Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, 2021). The data demonstrates improvement, but it is a long way off gender equality. Women need the courage to challenge gender equality in STEM careers.

The role of rural women in driving change in their communities involves empowering each other to succeed. Rural women need to challenge the norm by having a voice and leading by example. Ambassadors for women in STEM will help to inspire other women to change their attitudes and improve their confidence in STEM, encouraging all to reach their goals. We need a variety of strong female role-models leading by example who younger females can look up to. By making women visible in STEM by giving them a voice and celebrating their achievements, we can continue to drive change.

What does this mean for me and my place in my community? This drive for change in gender equality in STEM has inspired me to pursue my dream of completing a double degree in Science and Engineering, with a focus of becoming a Chemical Engineer. I have had opportunity to listen to women in STEM careers through many educational opportunities. Through participation in Science Investigation Awards, I have been able to have inspiring conversations with women in STEM careers.

In 2019, I had an innovative idea around creating a robotic wheelie bin that put itself out onto the curb. I made it through to the final of the Origin Energy competition. I was further inspired at this national workshop, meeting a variety of high-profile women in STEM careers. This experience has shown me the importance of taking risks and following dreams. Creativity, innovation and problem-solving are a big part of STEM, along with the ability to collaborate and work in a team. All skills that I feel are strengths of mine and many strong empowering women surrounding me.

I am willing to continue my journey to play my part in increasing the statistics of women equality in STEM careers and I hope that I empower others to do the same. I live by the quote from Mae Jemison (Liberty Science Centre, 2016), the first African American women astronaut in space, who states ‘Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it and make it the life you want to live.’

Courageous women who challenge societal norms, have a voice, provide opportunity, strive to empower other women, and lead by example, will drive change and will continue the trend of improving gender equality in STEM careers in their communities.

Reference List:
Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. (2021). Advancing women in STEM strategy. https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/advancing-women-in-stem-strategy

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. (2021). Second national data report on girls and women in STEM. https://www.industry.gov.au/news/second-national-data-report-on-girls-and-women-in-stem

Liberty Science Centre. (2016). BHM Highlight: Dr Mae Jemison, first African American woman to travel in space. https://lsc.org/news-and-social/news/bhm-highlight-dr-mae-jemison-first-african-american-woman-to-travel-in-space