As women continue to fight for equity in working conditions, including the goal to eliminate the pay-gap, one industry sector that has been traditionally male-dominated is slowly chipping away to create an environment of equality!

 

The Australian Government has released its second report on Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) titled ‘STEM Equality Monitor 2021’ earlier this year, and it’s positive to see an increase in some figures for all the right reasons.

The 2021 Monitor shows some real improvements with women represented and participating in STEM study and careers:

  • Since 2015, the proportion of women enrolled in university STEM fields of education (undergraduate and postgraduate) has increased by 2%. This reached 36% in 2019 (more than 81,000 women), up from 34% in 2015 (70,000 women).

  • The proportion of women working across all STEM-qualified industries has continually increased from 24% in 2016 to 28% in 2020.

  • The proportion of key management personnel and senior managers who are women has also continuously increased from 18% in 2016 to 23% in 2020.
     

Although the report shows some positive changes, there are areas that still need considerable focus to be able to achieve the gender equality goal and vision for Australia by 2030. One of the biggest standouts is the gender pay gap …

  • There is a significant gender pay gap between qualified men and women working in STEM. The gender pay gap in STEM-qualified industries was $28,994 in 2020 compared to $25,534 across all industries.

 

With the 2030 goals, the Australian Government is publishing annual updates on the changes to STEM, and at Professional in Heels we will be watching this closely.

It’s great to see a dedicated focus to achieve equality. With the highlight on STEM and to grow the awareness of this industry sector, it’s great to see so many women passionate to pursue this pathway.

 

A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY …

Be inspired and informed by WOMEN IN TECH with the upcoming Leadership Summit: Women in Tech, hosted by Business in Heels. The day will be a limited opportunity for 150 professionals to be inspired by leading role models & for self-development. It’s a  combination of inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panels, interactive workshops and will close with a networking event all delivered interactively on a professional conferencing platform. To find out more CLICK HERE