Yesterday, Women 4 STEM marked its 20th anniversary at Victorian Parliament House, bringing together government, industry, education leaders, volunteers and community advocates to reflect on two decades of progress and to launch the STEM Equity Report 2025.
Founded in 2005 as a volunteer-led initiative, Women 4 STEM has grown into a trusted voice on gender equity across the STEM pipeline. Over 20 years, the organisation has engaged more than 29,000 participants, supported by more than 463,000 volunteer hours, contributing an estimated $20 million in community value.
Opening the formalities, Women 4 STEM CEO Mary-Beth Hosking acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and paid respect to Elders past and present, noting that sovereignty was never ceded.
“Today is both a celebration and a call to action,” Ms Hosking said.
“While we mark 20 years of impact, the data is clear. Women remain just 27 per cent of Australia’s STEM workforce, and participation gaps begin long before women enter the labour market. Equity in STEM is not inevitable. It requires sustained effort, investment and leadership.”
Women 4 STEM Chair Chris Skipper-Conway reflected on the organisation’s evolution and the collective effort behind its impact.
“What began as a small, volunteer-driven network is now a respected organisation shaping opportunity for girls and women across Victoria,” Ms Skipper-Conway said.
“These achievements belong to our volunteers, partners, sponsors and supporters who have believed in this work from the beginning.”
Deputy Chair Ayten Ozenc emphasised the work ahead.
“Participation gaps in STEM are persistent and structural,” Ms Ozenc said.
“Our role is to strengthen pathways, build confidence and influence workplaces so girls and women can thrive at every stage of their careers.”
The STEM Equity Report 2025 outlines current participation trends, workforce data and systemic barriers facing girls and women in STEM. It reinforces the importance of intervention across the pipeline, from early inspiration to leadership and retention.
Women 4 STEM programs span this pipeline, including Go Girl and Go Girl Explore for school students, Grad Girls and Grad Girl Tech for tertiary transitions, and leadership, mentoring and workplace initiatives that support retention and progression.
Women 4 STEM’s work has also gained international recognition, with invitations to contribute at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 2018 and 2025, and further representation planned for CSW70 in 2026.
Chief Revenue Officer Sarah Barnbrook outlined the organisation’s next phase of growth and advocacy.
“Women 4 STEM is more than a program provider,” Ms Barnbrook said.
“We are shaping pathways, influencing workplaces and contributing to national and global conversations about equity in STEM.”
Ms Barnbrook confirmed plans to return to the United Nations in 2026 with a workshop titled Reimagining the Possible: Women, AI, and a Fairer Future, and announced the development of a National STEM Summit for Girls to be held in Canberra as a UNESCO Red Teaming for Social Good event.
Chief Operating Officer Lisa Lauder highlighted the organisation’s program legacy.
“Our programs form a connected pathway that many women travel from school to early career and into leadership,” Ms Lauder said.
“The most powerful measure of impact is when participants return years later and say, ‘I found my path because of this work.’”
She noted that Women 4 STEM’s program framework is established, scalable and positioned for national expansion.
The event recognised the contribution of volunteers, program leads, partners, sponsors and government supporters who have shaped Women 4 STEM over two decades.
Messages of support were received from the Premier of Victoria, the Governor of Victoria, Members of Parliament, and the Commissioner for Children and Young People. Attendees included representatives from the Commissioner for Gender Equality Office Kellye Hartman, Coral Ross, Chair of the Australian Gender Equality Council, the Lead Scientist for Victoria Dr. Amanda Caples, and a broad cross-section of community and industry leaders, like Australian Computer Society, and several members from Soroptimist International and National Council of Women.
Closing the event, Ms Hosking reflected on the organisation’s future.
“The next chapter for Women 4 STEM is defined by national ambition, stronger advocacy and expanded partnerships,” she said.
“We look forward to working together to build on this legacy and shape a fairer STEM future for girls and women across Australia.”
For any further information, please let me know. Thank you deeply to those who were able to join us and celebrate this significant milestone.
Sarah Barnbrook
Chief Revenue Office
Women 4 STEM
Mobile: 0427 203 595