
Since its founding in 2005, Women4STEM has been dedicated to advancing gender diversity in STEM and fostering a supportive community for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Now, in our 20th anniversary year, we reflect on the progress made and the challenges still ahead as we continue to push for greater inclusion and equity.
The Evolution of Gender Diversity in STEM Fields
Over the last two decades, there has been a growing recognition of the need for gender equity in STEM. Government initiatives, corporate policies, and grassroots organisations like Women4STEM have played a significant role in increasing representation and providing opportunities for women. However, despite these efforts, the STEM Equity Monitor 2024 highlights that women remain underrepresented in many areas, particularly in leadership roles and emerging technology sectors.
Key findings from the STEM Equity Monitor 2024 include:
- Women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce in Australia.
- The gender pay gap in STEM fields persists, with women earning 14% less than their male counterparts.
- Female representation in leadership positions within STEM industries is still below 20%.
These statistics reinforce the importance of continued action and support from organisations, businesses, and individuals committed to driving change. To put it simply, we need to DO MORE!
Women4STEM’s 20-Year Journey
For two decades, Women4STEM has provided:
- Mentorship and Career Development over five different programs: Thousands of women, girls and individuals who identify as female have benefited from our programs, formulated to cover the entire life cycle of a career in STEM. From primary and high school students to university and TAFE graduates, seasoned employees through to the executive level. Attendees of our programs benefited by gaining access to networking events, career advice, leadership training and so much more.
- Corporate Partnerships: Through STEM sponsorship opportunities, industry leaders have supported initiatives aimed at retaining and advancing women in STEM.
- Workshops, Webinars, and Events: Our Events Page showcases a robust lineup of in-person and virtual events tackling key issues such as workplace diversity, career progression, and the latest trends in STEM innovation.
The Year of More: What’s Ahead for Women4STEM
To mark our 20th anniversary, 2025 will be a year of MORE—more opportunities, more resources, and more ways to get involved:
- Expanded Networking Events: Connecting professionals and industry leaders to foster mentorship and collaboration, both virtually and in-person.
- Workshops & Webinars: Covering crucial topics such as workplace inclusivity, public speaking training, women’s health, work/life balance, intersectionality and workplace gendered violence and more.
- Advocacy for Gender Equity: Strengthening our mission to drive systemic change in STEM workplaces.
Join Us in Celebrating and Shaping the Future
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to be part of the movement:
- Become a Professional Member and gain access to exclusive resources.
- Explore STEM sponsorship opportunities to support gender diversity in the industry.
- Attend our upcoming events and connect with like-minded professionals.
- Apply to become a volunteer for Women4STEM and help us to continue moving the needle and driving change for women in STEM.
Women4STEM’s journey is far from over, in fact it is just beginning. With your support, we can continue to create a future where women in STEM thrive.
Visit our Home Page to learn more about our impact and how you can get involved.
