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Australian Government Women in STEM Ambassador welcomes new funding for women in STEM

The investments will ensure continued success of advancement towards gender equity

February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In Australia, girls select science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at school at lower rates than boys. Women are also underrepresented in STEM-skilled careers. Full access and participation of women and girls in science is key to Australia’s prosperity as a nation.

Today the Minister for Science and Technology, the Hon Melissa Price MP, announced support for women in STEM initiatives with an additional $6.1 million in funding.

“It is with great pleasure on this celebratory date that I welcome the Commonwealth Government’s continued investment in women in STEM. Such investments will continue to support systemic and cultural change that will move us closer to gender equity in STEM”, said the Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.

The funding builds on the Government’s existing commitment of $147 million of investments to support gender equity in STEM. 

The additional funding includes $2 million for Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM program, $2.4 million for the continuation of the Women in STEM Ambassador initiative, and an additional $2.3 million for the Future You awareness raising initiative. Future You reaches children aged 8-12 years, educators, parents and carers and showcases diverse STEM careers and the people working in them.

“Our investments will ensure our Women in STEM Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith can continue to be a great advocate for gender equity in STEM and the incredible Superstars of STEM program can inspire even more role models”, said Minister Price.

“Future You will reach millions of children aged 8-12 years from all backgrounds across Australia. It will inspire the next generation to undertake exciting careers in STEM and support educators, parents and carers to build children’s engagement with STEM. I’m excited to see this program grow”, said Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.

Read the media release

https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/price/media-releases/new-funding-advance-women-stem 

For more information, contact Clara Gomes on 0466 942 077.

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith at a laboratory in the United Nations in Paris.