Gender disparities continue to persist in the Australian STEM workforce, according to the recently released 2023 STEM Equity Monitor. The monitor, published by the Australian Government, aims to inform policies that address the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields by providing valuable insights into outcomes, pay, research funding, and other workforce characteristics.
One of the key findings of the report is that although the number of girls enrolling in STEM subjects in Year 12 has increased slightly from 45% in 2013 to 47% in 2021, there are significant variations in participation across different disciplines. In 2021, girls accounted for a larger proportion of enrolments in biological sciences (65%), while fewer girls enrolled in engineering (23%), physics, and astronomy (24%). In terms of higher education, women constituted 37% of enrolments in university STEM courses in 2021, up from 34% in 2015. Additionally, enrolments in vocational education and training STEM courses increased slightly from 15% to 17%.
While there has been a modest increase in the number of women in STEM-qualified occupations over the past decade, rising from 11% to 15%, the percentage of women qualified in non-STEM occupations has risen by about 50% during the same period. Moreover, women hold only 23% of senior management positions in STEM-qualified industries and a mere 8% of chief executive officer roles. The issue of pay disparity also persists, with women earning 17% less than their male counterparts in all STEM industries, and 19% less across all industries.
Despite the increase in girls studying STEM subjects at both school and university levels, the report by the South Australian Academy for Gender Equity in STEM (SAAGES) reveals that women still face significant challenges in STEM careers. The report, based on feedback and recommendations from professionals and students in the sector, highlights unsupportive and hostile work environments as the main reason many women leave STEM jobs. Additionally, inflexible work hours and a failure by employers to recognize the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work placed on women further hinder women’s progress in STEM fields.
Dr. Deborah Devis, lead author of the SAAGES report, emphasizes that these obstacles identified by women in the sector are exacerbating critical STEM workforce shortages across Australia. Despite the growing number of girls studying STEM subjects, there has only been a small increase in postgraduate programs and young women pursuing STEM careers. Moreover, the representation of women in senior management roles within STEM industries remains significantly low.
According to the SAAGES report, increasing work flexibility would be a significant step in encouraging women to enter and stay in STEM careers. However, it is essential for companies to avoid creating a gender divide, where flexible work arrangements are primarily expected of women. The report also stresses the importance of men advocating for gender equity and promoting diversity and inclusion in the STEM workforce. It should be viewed as a shared responsibility, rather than mere box-ticking.
The 2023 STEM Equity Monitor and the SAAGES report highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women in the Australian STEM workforce. While there has been progress in increasing girls’ participation in STEM subjects and the number of women in STEM-qualified jobs, gender disparities persist. The need for supportive work environments, flexible work arrangements, and a collective effort to promote gender equity and diversity are crucial in achieving a more balanced and inclusive STEM workforce in Australia.
